The Darkness Before Dawn

[Short Recap]

Tim, drugged and vulnerable, lay helpless on the hotel bed while Anri moved like a viper cloaked in silk. She called Stord from the balcony, confidently reporting that everything was going according to plan. With a satisfied smirk, Stord prepared for the scandal that could destroy his rival. Meanwhile, Anri returned to Tim’s side, whispering to herself that it was a pity—a man like him, caught in such a web.

[Continuation]

The hotel room, moments ago lit by the warm glow of modern chandeliers, plunged into darkness without warning. The quiet hum of the air conditioner died, replaced by startled gasps and muffled voices from the hallway.

Anri froze mid-step, phone in hand, blinking at the sudden void that swallowed the room. “What the hell?” she muttered, her confident posture breaking slightly.

She quickly grabbed her phone and dialed the hotel management. Her voice, sharp and irritated, pierced the stillness of the blackout.

“This is Room 1209,” she said, barely masking her annoyance. “What’s going on with the electricity? This is supposed to be a five-star establishment, not a third-world inn. Fix it. Now.”

On the other end, a flustered employee tried to assure her that the outage was unexpected and temporary. “We’re working on restoring it immediately, ma’am. Please stay calm and remain in your room.”

“Tch,” Anri clicked her tongue, hanging up without another word.

[Scene Shift – Stord Elen’s Office | Aruba Industry]

At that very moment, miles away, Stord Elen swirled his whiskey with a sly smile. He was already picturing tomorrow’s headlines.

Sitting at his expansive office table were his most trusted staff members, all quietly hanging onto his every word.

Stord leaned back in his chair, the city lights behind him casting a cool, reflective sheen across his confident expression.

“Gentlemen,” he said, “we’re about to expose the filth under AURY’s polished image. Once the media gets their hands on that video, Tim Aury’s reputation will be shredded beyond repair.”

One of his staff smirked. “And with no reputation, no trust. The board will have no choice but to reconsider their leadership.”

Another added, “Your strategies are always two steps ahead, sir.”

Stord chuckled darkly. “He played chess. I played reality. And the reality is, I’m the one flipping the board.”

“Prepare for the fallout,” Stord continued. “By the time that recording hits tomorrow, we’ll be in place to take everything.”

Somewhere at the outskirts of the city.

The highway stretched like a dark ribbon ahead, broken only by the twin beams of headlights carving through the fog.

Amane drove with one hand on the wheel, her other hand holding the phone to her ear. Her tone was casual, but her expression was sharp.

“Yes, Mom. I’m driving safely,” she said with a faint smile. “No, I’m not alone, I’ve got myself.”

She chuckled lightly at her mother’s worries, then added, “I’ll be back soon. Just needed a little... change of scenery.”

After ending the call, her gaze flicked to the road again, now lit with signboards indicating the edge of the next city.

Her lips curled into a thoughtful smirk. “Let’s see how the pieces are moving tonight.”

In a quieter, more refined hotel, a woman stood waiting in the lobby, leaning against the reception desk with one hand in her pocket. She wore slim-fit black jeans and a pale grey hoodie, blending into the crowd.

Erika, 27. Sharp eyes, short dark hair, and an aura of calm precision. Her professional roots hid beneath casual attire—but one look into her eyes, and it was clear: this woman didn’t miss a thing.

Amane entered moments later, their eyes meeting. A hint of a smile appeared on Erika’s face.

“You’re late,” she said teasingly.

“And you’re blending in a little too well,” Amane replied, giving her a once-over. “Good job.”

They exchanged a brief, knowing hug before heading to a private suite upstairs.

Once inside, Erika locked the door and placed a black folder on the table. “I’ve compiled everything so far. You’ll want to sit down for this.”

Amane did just that.

Erika opened the file, flipping through pages quickly. “There’s something... you’re not going to like.”

The moment her eyes hit the content, Amane’s expression shifted. Her brows furrowed, her breath caught for a second.

“What...?” she whispered, her mind trying to process what she was reading.

The camera didn’t show us what was in the file.

Not yet.

Meanwhile back at the hotel room no. 1209.

The lights flickered back to life with a soft electric hum.

Anri let out a sigh of relief, setting her phone down. The golden glow of the chandeliers cast familiar warmth across the room again.

But something felt off.

She glanced toward the bed—and her heart stopped.

Empty.

Sheets rumpled, but no Tim.

She blinked, thinking maybe her eyes were playing tricks.

She rushed to the bathroom. Empty.

She sprinted to the door. Still locked.

Balcony? Nothing.

“How the hell...?” she whispered, pacing the room.

The bed was still warm.

There were no footsteps. No sound of the door creaking. No rustling, no dragging, nothing.

It was as if he’d evaporated into thin air.

Her mind raced.

He was drugged. His vision was blurred. He couldn’t have stood up properly, let alone walked away without her noticing. She hadn’t looked away for more than a few minutes...

Panic and confusion swirled in her chest.

“This isn’t possible,” she said under her breath. “Where did he go? How did he vanish?”

Questions spun in her head, but no answers came.

Only one thing was clear.

Tim Aury was gone.

To be continued...

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