The Whispers of 4th District

Chapter 27: Into the Lion's Den

The towering office building loomed ahead like a giant waiting to swallow them whole. Teddy felt his stomach tighten as they approached the entrance, the sleek glass doors reflecting his image back at him like a twisted mockery. This was where his mother did her dirty work, where all the deals were made and the lives were shattered. He had never been inside before, but he knew enough to understand that this was the heart of the beast.

"Stay sharp," Kane muttered as they approached the security desk. "We don't want to be spotted."

They moved through the lobby with the practiced ease of men who had lived in the shadows long enough to know how to blend in. Teddy kept his head down, but his pulse hammered in his ears. Every step felt like it was echoing, as if the entire building knew they were there.

They took the elevator to the top floor, and as the doors opened, the chill of the corporate world hit them—cold, sterile, and unwelcoming. The glass walls offered a clear view of the sprawling city below, a view that made Teddy's stomach twist with the realization of just how much power his mother wielded. She was untouchable. But not anymore.

They moved through the hallway with purpose, making their way toward Lena's office. The closer they got, the more tense the air became. Teddy could almost feel the walls closing in on him, like his entire life had led him to this moment. He knocked on the door, trying to steady his breath.

"Come in," a voice called from inside.

Lena was sitting behind her desk, her eyes flicking up as they entered. She was a reporter—a fighter, the kind who wouldn't back down, no matter the cost. Her sharp gaze softened when she saw them, though the wariness in her eyes remained.

"You brought it," she said, a statement rather than a question.

Teddy nodded, pulling the file from his bag and slamming it down onto her desk. "Everything you need to bring her down. But we're not safe here. They'll come for us soon."

Lena studied the file, her eyes flicking between the pages and Teddy's face. "This is bigger than I thought," she whispered, her voice tight with disbelief. "You realize what you've just handed me, right? This is the end of her empire. You're not just risking your lives—you're ending her."

Teddy didn't flinch. He had known the stakes. They all had. But now there was no turning back.

"You ready for this?" he asked, voice low but steady.

Lena met his gaze, and for a moment, there was no hesitation. "I've been ready for a long time."