The Contract Ex-Husband of Wealthy Widow

Chapter 23: Media Storm

"WHAT IS THIS?! Chronos Holdings accused of being involved in the biggest financial scandal of the decade?" Karina, the investigative journalist's, panicked voice boomed from Raka's burner phone, making Raka almost drop his coffee cup. Bingo. Or, damn it.

Raka stared at his phone screen, his eyes wide. Headlines were plastered everywhere, burning the screens with bold letters, screaming about corporate espionage, suspicious investments, and predatory asset management firms. Chaos erupted, tearing apart the young morning.

"Good job, Raka. We've lit the fuse on their firecracker." Lena's voice crackled from Raka's earpiece, a hint of amusement making Raka smile faintly, even though his lips still felt swollen. That morning felt like an explosion.

Raka didn't answer, his eyes focused on the television monitor in his safe apartment, which Lena had specially set up to monitor the news. News channels changed rapidly, showing collapsing stock market graphs, the bewildered faces of analysts, and the Chronos Holdings logo now surrounded by virtual flames. The financial world was in an uproar. This was real. All of this was real. Mixed feelings surged within him. Victory, yes. But also fear.

"They're panicking," Elena said calmly, appearing on the phone screen connected to Raka and Lena. Her eyes swept over the chaos on the television, as if evaluating an abstract work of art. "This is just the beginning."

"Look, Raka, Chronos's stock is in freefall!" Lena exclaimed, her voice sounding like a child thrilled by fireworks. "Even their shares on the dark market are shaky. The Architect must be racking their brain trying to figure out who dared to mess with their toys."

Raka felt a wave of adrenaline flood him. This was no longer just numbers on a screen. This was the direct impact of his actions. Bianca, Mrs. Anya... was this enough for them? His guilt was slightly assuaged, replaced by a bitter satisfaction.

"What's Ms. Thorne's reaction?" Raka asked, remembering the woman's intimidating smile.

"Ms. Thorne? She's probably taking extra tranquilizers right now," Lena chuckled. "Chronos's office is like a shipwreck. Employees are scattering, reporters are swarming. Lena showed live footage from Chronos. Ms. Thorne's face appeared, pale as a ghost, surrounded by shouting reporters. The woman looked utterly helpless.

"She's not Darma," Raka murmured, feeling a little pity for Ms. Thorne, who was now collateral damage.

"She's just a bigger pawn," Elena retorted. "The Architects don't care who they step on as long as their goals are achieved. Now, they'll focus on damage control. They'll deny, they'll retaliate. Be ready."

Suddenly, the television broadcast switched to an impromptu press conference. A VanceTech technology company logo was displayed on the screen. Julianna Vance appeared at the podium, surrounded by bodyguards. Her face looked tired, her golden hair slightly disheveled, but her eyes, those sharp green eyes, radiated something different. Determination.

Raka held his breath. Julianna. His heart pounded faster. He remembered the letter he had slipped her, and the hopeful gaze he had for the woman.

"Following the baseless accusations targeting the financial sector, I, Julianna Vance, feel compelled to speak," Julianna began, her voice calm yet clear. "My company, VanceTech, has also been a victim. We have experienced a series of strange and... illogical financial setbacks."

"Illogical?" Raka asked, his eyes narrowing. That wasn't just a statement. It was a veiled admission.

"She already knows," Elena said, a faint smile on her lips. "She's sending a message, Raka. To you. To us."

"VanceTech has always championed innovation and integrity," Julianna continued, her voice strengthening. "However, we've uncovered a disturbing pattern. A pattern that indicates... systematic manipulation behind the scenes. A dark entity attempting to destroy us from within."

Lena whistled softly from the phone. "Wow, she's hitting back directly. This woman has guts."

Raka stared at Julianna, his heart filled with admiration and worry. She was brave. She really read my message. And she chose to fight back. Julianna's eyes swept over the crowd of reporters, then for a moment, her gaze paused, as if looking directly into the camera. Somehow, Raka felt that gaze was directed at him. A faint, subtle smile appeared on Julianna's lips. It was the same smile Raka had seen in the gallery, full of mystery and intelligence, but now also full of courage.

"I suspect this is part of a larger network, targeting not only companies but also individuals," Julianna said, her voice full of conviction. "We are conducting a deep internal investigation, and we will cooperate with anyone who has valid information to uncover this truth."

"Someone has planted a seed in her brain, Raka," Lena chuckled crisply. "And that seed is growing very fast."

Raka felt his chest warm. She believed. She would fight. His fear for Julianna was now mixed with a strange sense of pride. Julianna Vance was not a pawn. She was a queen.

"She didn't even mention the Architects directly," Raka observed, "but everyone who knows will understand."

Elena nodded. "Exactly. She's playing smart. She's acknowledging a conspiracy without giving the Architects ammunition to retaliate directly. She's opening a door, Raka. A door for us."

"So, we can contact her?" Raka asked, a sense of urgency enveloping him.

"Not yet," Elena shook her head. "The Architects will tighten their surveillance. Any suspicious movement will be detected. We have to wait. Let Julianna feel alone for a bit. Let the Architects' pressure build. Only then do we move in."

"Are you saying we should let her suffer a little longer?" Raka asked, his tone sounding displeased.

"This isn't about suffering, Raka. It's strategy. If we help her directly, the Architects will know she's part of our network," Elena explained. "We need to make it look like she's figuring this out on her own. That will make her stronger. And the Architects will underestimate her."

Raka snorted, annoyed by Elena's cold logic. But she was right. The more Julianna appeared to be alone, the more the Architects would underestimate her.

"Darma must be in full hunting mode now," Lena warned. "He doesn't like surprises like this. He must think you and Julianna are part of the same entity."

Elena looked at Raka, her eyes showing a warning. "Uncertainty is our best weapon right now, Raka. And also our biggest curse. We managed to surprise them, but now they will retaliate."

Raka nodded, looking out the window. The sky was beginning to cloud over, as if reflecting the coming storm. He knew the calm before the storm was over. The Architect now realized they had been targeted, and Darma, the hunter, must already be scouring every corner of the city, with one goal in mind: Raka.

Darma is coming for me. Raka knew it. The feeling was piercing, cold, and certain. Yet, amidst that ominous premonition, there was also a strange surge. A desire to end it. A desire to face Darma, once and for all. This time, there would be no more running. He took a deep breath, feeling the cold air fill his lungs. The real fight was just about to begin.