Veiled Vendetta

CHAPTER FIVE

It seems Izzy found herself in an unexpected spotlight, facing the scrutiny of the seniors, particularly Vivian and her group. As they approached her on the basketball court, the conversation took an unexpected turn toward Izzy's status as a significant shareholder in the school.

Vivian, with a haughty tone, identified Izzy as the second-largest shareholder. Izzy, remaining composed, clarified the ownership, attributing it technically to her mother but registered under her name. Chris and the others seemed intrigued by this revelation, noting Izzy's connection to the school's ownership. Summer found the situation interesting, remarking on the novelty of a student being a shareholder.

Despite the unexpected attention and remarks from the seniors, Izzy managed to handle the situation with her characteristic calm and confidence, smiling through the encounter.The encounter with the seniors had put Izzy slightly on edge, and mentioning Izaiah brought curiosity and discomfort. Their abrupt departure after she mentioned Izaiah was somewhat puzzling. She realized how tense the atmosphere had become when her friends instinctively stood by her side, ready to protect her. Once they left, the relief was visible on Izzy's face.

Alex leaned in and asked, "What was that all about?" Izzy shook her head slightly. "I don't know. It felt odd, didn't it?" Nina and the others nodded in agreement. Izzy said, "They were hiding something about Izaiah." Evy replied, "I just hope they don't bother us again."

They resumed their game, trying to shake off the oddity of the interaction. Izzy felt a mix of curiosity about Izaiah and a sense that she had stumbled upon something much deeper than she initially thought. She glanced at Izaiah's desk, contemplating the mysteries surrounding him.

It seemed like Izzy's friends had her back, ready to support her against any unwelcome intrusions. Luiz's gesture was reassuring, a silent agreement that they stood united against any attempts to take advantage. With the momentary tension diffused, they continued enjoying their time together, brushing off the awkward encounter with the seniors. Izzy appreciated the unspoken solidarity among her friends.

As Izzy entered her brother's room, memories flooded back like a relentless tide. The room was frozen in time, untouched since the day Izaiah left. She sat on his bed, running her fingers over old photographs, a bittersweet smile forming as she gazed at a picture of them together, both grinning with innocence in their younger days. It brought a teardrop to her eye, but she brushed it away, murmuring to herself, "Izaiah, I'll uncover the truth about what happened. I'll reveal it all, show everyone you weren't responsible for any of it." 

Determination surged through her, an unwavering resolve lighting up her eyes as she made a silent promise to her absent brother. After a moment, she left the room, the weight of her mission giving her purpose as she prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead.

Izzy parked her motorcycle in the lot and made her way to the elevator, scanning her thumb to unlock the apartment door. As she entered, she found solace in the familiar space she shared with the twins. This place was a refuge, an escape from the chaos of the outside world. Settling into a bean bag, she allowed herself to relax and unwittingly drifted off to sleep.

Later, JD and GD arrived, finding Izzy asleep in the bean bag. GD gently woke her up, and Izzy, wiping away traces of sleep from her eyes, greeted them. JD inquired about her presence there, to which Izzy explained, "It's not easy, but I needed to be away. Anyway, I need a favor from you guys."

Understanding her predicament, GD assured her, "Don't worry, we're here for you." Izzy disclosed her request, "I want you to investigate some people." JD questioned her motives, "Don't you want us to handle them directly?" Izzy shook her head, "They're seniors. I just need to know if they come around our area. That's all." JD and GD agreed to help, spending some time together before Izzy eventually returned home.

Izzy lay on her bed at home, sending her seniors' pictures to the twins for recognition. A while later, she heard the sound of her parents' car pulling up into the garage. She decided to go downstairs to greet them. Her father emerged first, and as Izzy approached, he lifted her with affectionate ease. She chuckled, "Dad, I'm not little anymore." Her father responded warmly, "You'll always be my little fighter." Izzy grinned at the endearing term as her father gently set her back down.

While they were having dinner, Dad initiated the conversation, asking, "Any recent activity in City W, Izzy?" Izzy responded between bites, "Not much, I've been noticing some new faces. I've asked JD and GD to look into them. I've also informed the W police." Her father nodded in acknowledgment as he continued eating. Mom, curious, questioned, "Why does Izzy have to work in City W for you?" Dad smiled as he replied, "Izzy needs money, and why give it away for free? She works for me, and I pay her." Izzy chuckled, adding, "See, Mom, that's just how a businessman thinks." Her mother laughed and nodded in agreement.

In a dimly lit office, a man, exuding an air of authority, occupied a large leather chair while his attentive assistant sat opposite him. The room bore an ambiance of power and control. The man inquired sharply, "Any progress in City W?"

The assistant, slightly apprehensive, responded, "Not yet, sir. Wilson's hold on the city is remarkable. Even when he's absent, the city functions flawlessly. The local police are efficient."

The man's countenance soured. His voice reverberated in annoyance, "That's precisely the issue. I need to know his secret. If I'm to erect a larger mall, that land where City W stands is imperative."

The assistant, trying to assuage the tension, continued, "Our agents are diligently scouting the city, but so far, no weaknesses have surfaced."

Frustration lined the man's face. His tone remained resolute, "Then fabricate a vulnerability. Is there anyone overseeing City W's operations?"The assistant shook his head, "No, sir. Wilson's son used to manage affairs, but we assumed the family would falter without him. Surprisingly, they're thriving."The conversation portrayed a sense of urgency and a growing intent to dismantle City W, suggesting a hidden agenda and a relentless pursuit to take control of the coveted land for the man's ambitions.

With a tone steeped in frustration, the man exclaimed, "What was the purpose of pushing that boy to the brink if they're thriving even more without him? Identify the person in charge of City W immediately."

The assistant swiftly acknowledged, "Yes, Sir," and promptly exited the room to carry out the command.

As the assistant left, the man remained seated in his office chair, his gaze fixated on the distant lights of City W, a mixture of determination and greed gleaming in his eyes. "It will be mine," he murmured with a cold determination, hinting at an ominous and ambitious agenda targeting the city's acquisition.