Chapter 2: The Midnight Pursuit
I didn't wait for them to process their fear. I knew that in the world of high-stakes corruption, silence was bought with violence. As the security guards hesitated, caught between the Senator’s orders and their own survival instinct, I turned and walked toward the exit.
"Stop her!" Vanessa shrieked, her earlier amusement replaced by a frantic, high-pitched desperation. "She’s a fraud! She’s ruined everything!"
I didn't look back. I pushed through the double doors and into the cool night air of the gala gardens. My heels clicked rapidly against the stone path as I moved toward my car. I knew they would follow. I knew Thorne wouldn't let me leave with that folder.
I heard the heavy tread of footsteps behind me. Two men in suits—the Senator’s personal muscle—had broken away from the party. I fumbled for my car keys, my hands finally beginning to shake. The adrenaline was wearing off, leaving me vulnerable.
I reached my car, but a hand slammed onto the roof before I could get inside. It was one of the guards.
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"Give me the folder, Elara," he growled.
I didn't hesitate. I threw my keys into the bushes, pulled a canister of pepper spray from my bag, and released a blinding cloud into his face. He howled, clutching his eyes. I sprinted toward the main road, the city lights shimmering in the distance. I wasn't going to get in a car; I was going to disappear into the crowd. I had to reach the printing press of the City Gazette. It was the only place left where the truth still mattered.
