A Dangerous Secret

Chapter 5: A Dangerous Secret

The next morning, the Hale Mansion felt unusually quiet.

After the previous night's discovery, every entrance was guarded, and the security team worked around the clock. Lucas spent hours in his office reviewing reports, while Aron wandered through the mansion looking for Elena.

He eventually found her in the greenhouse, surrounded by blooming white roses.

"I've been looking everywhere for you," Aron said.

"I needed some fresh air."

He glanced at the flowers.

"I come here whenever I need to think."

"You don't seem like someone who enjoys gardens."

Aron laughed.

"I don't. My mother did."

His smile faded for a moment.

"She loved this place."

Elena noticed the sadness in his eyes but chose not to ask.

Instead, she said quietly, "I'm sorry."

"Thanks."

Before the conversation could continue, one of the guards approached.

"Mr. Aron, your father wants both of you in the study."

Moments later, they entered Lucas's office.

Several documents and photographs covered his desk.

Lucas looked up.

"I've confirmed something important."

He slid a photograph toward Elena.

Her face immediately turned pale.

"That's him..."

"The man you saw the night you were captured?" Lucas asked.

She nodded.

"He killed someone."

Aron frowned.

"So she wasn't kidnapped at random."

"No," Lucas replied. "She witnessed the murder of a high-ranking member of The Circle."

Elena took a deep breath.

"There was... something else."

Lucas leaned forward.

"Go on."

"I saw one of the killers drop a silver flash drive."

"You have it?" Aron asked.

She slowly nodded.

"I hid it before they caught me."

Lucas and Aron exchanged surprised glances.

"Where?" Lucas asked.

"In the old café where I worked."

Aron couldn't hide his excitement.

"That drive could expose the entire organization!"

Lucas remained cautious.

"Or it's exactly what they're searching for."

A tense silence filled the room.

Finally, Aron broke it.

"So what's the plan?"

Lucas answered without hesitation.

"We retrieve the flash drive before The Circle does."

"I'm coming," Elena said.

"No," Lucas replied firmly.

"It's my evidence."

"It's also your life."

Aron stepped between them.

"Dad, she's right. She knows where it is."

Lucas looked at his son for a long moment.

"You'll both stay behind me at all times."

Aron grinned.

"So that's a yes."

Lucas sighed.

"Don't make me regret it."

Later that evening, three black SUVs quietly left the Hale Mansion.

Rain had begun falling again, hiding them in the darkness.

As they drove toward the abandoned café, none of them noticed another vehicle following from a distance.

Inside it, a masked man lowered his phone after sending a single message.

Target is moving.

Prepare the ambush.

Cause I, I, I'm in the stars tonightSo watch me bring the fire and set the night alightShinin' through the city with a little funk and soulSo I'ma light it up like dynamite, woah-oh-oh

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***