CHAPTER 17: BETRAYAL FROM WITHIN
CHAPTER 17: BETRAYAL FROM WITHIN
Despite the massive public victory, an unsettling discovery was made inside the Zurich bureau of the Global Child Protection Alliance. Certain confidential operational logs—details regarding the upcoming Zurich gala operation—had been accessed from an internal server using an executive clearance code.
In a secure room in Zurich, Evelyn, Marcus, and their trusted legal director, Thomas Vance, sat around a polished mahogany table.
"Someone inside our organization is feeding information to Sterling," Marcus said grimly, placing a tablet on the table. "The access key used belonged to Sarah Jenkins, our head of European legal affairs."
Evelyn felt a sharp pain in her heart. Sarah had been with the foundation since its inception, fighting alongside Evelyn during the initial dark days against Vanguard.
"I want to speak to her," Evelyn said, her voice quiet but resolute. "Bring her in."
Ten minutes later, Sarah Jenkins walked into the conference room. She looked pale, her hands trembling slightly as she saw Marcus standing near the door with a hardened expression.
"Evelyn... what is this about?" Sarah asked nervously.
Evelyn looked at her former friend with a mixture of sadness and profound disappointment. "Sarah, why did you do it? How much did Sterling pay you?"
Sarah froze, her face draining of all color. She dropped into a chair, putting her face in her hands as tears began to stream down her cheeks.
"They... they threatened my brother, Evelyn!" Sarah sobbed hysterically. "Sterling’s fixers found out he had gambling debts in Monaco. They said they would kill him if I didn't send them your operational schedules! I had no choice!"
Marcus stepped forward. "There is always a choice, Sarah. You put Lily, Evelyn, and every child in our safe houses in danger."
"I'm so sorry... oh God, I'm so sorry!" Sarah wept.
Evelyn walked around the table, standing over Sarah. Despite the betrayal, Evelyn remained calm and composure-driven.
"You betrayed our trust, Sarah," Evelyn said softly. "And you will face the full legal consequences of your actions. But you can still do one good thing."
May you like
Sarah looked up, tear-stained and desperate. "Anything, Evelyn. I’ll do anything."
"You are going to call Sterling’s chief fixer right now," Evelyn instructed, her eyes burning with cold intelligence. "And you are going to tell him that our operational plan has changed. You are going to lead them directly into our trap."
