Chapter 49: Emily’s Secret Investigation
Emily sat in her apartment, the soft glow of her laptop screen illuminating the room. Julian had warned her to stay out of Marcus's crosshairs, but she couldn't sit back and do nothing. If they were going to protect Blackwood Enterprises and their future she needed to find proof of Marcus's corruption.
Her fingers flew across the keyboard as she sifted through financial records and company emails. Hours passed, but nothing solid appeared. Frustration gnawed at her until a single encrypted file caught her attention. It was buried deep within the company's internal systems too hidden to be innocent.
Emily's pulse quickened. Whatever Marcus was hiding, this file might be the key to exposing him.
Julian's Growing Pressure
Meanwhile, at Blackwood Enterprises, Julian faced the fallout from Marcus's power play. Several board members had already expressed concern about his leadership. The pressure was mounting, and he knew Marcus wouldn't stop until he was pushed out completely.
"Julian," his assistant said cautiously, stepping into the office. "The board wants another meeting without you present. Marcus is pushing for an internal audit."
Julian's jaw clenched. "He's tightening the noose."
He needed a breakthrough, but without evidence against Marcus, his word alone wouldn't be enough.
A Dangerous Lead
Late that night, Emily finally cracked the encryption on the mysterious file. What she found made her heart stop. Offshore accounts, shell companies, and a trail of embezzlement all leading directly to Marcus.
"This is it," she whispered. With this information, Julian could prove Marcus was stealing from the company and destroy his ambitions for good.
But as she prepared to send the files to Julian, her phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number:
"Stay out of this, Emily. Or you'll regret it."
Emily's blood ran cold. Someone knew she was digging and they were watching.
But she couldn't stop now. She had the evidence Marcus feared and she was ready to use it.