Lines Blurred, Traces Found (Published Under Ukiyoto Publishing)

Chapter 28: Eager For Resolution

Eager For Resolution

Three days passed, and Champ's decisive order altered the landscape. Maya and Gabriel packed swiftly, departing Moscow for Texas. Meanwhile, Vladimir remained, cultivating his strategic alliance with Leonid Volkov.

Within Champ's sleek private plane, Maya and Gabriel occupied opposing leather seats. Tension and silence filled the space between them. Outside, clouds drifted lazily across the azure sky as Maya gazed wistfully out the window. Gabriel's thoughtful eyes discreetly studied her profile, his mind grappling with anxieties about her safety, loyalty, and their uncertain future.

"Have you changed your mind?" Gabriel's deep voice cut through the silence. Maya's gaze remained fixed on the clouds, her expression unreadable. "Listen to me, Maya," Gabriel pressed gently. "If you come with me to Phoenix, you'll meet Hyunjie Delano. Together, we can unravel the truth and bring an end to Champ's reign." His words hung in the air, awaiting her response.
 
"I don't want to meet him; maybe you'll use me as bait to further your own agenda." Her eyes narrowed. "I'll find Hyunjie myself, ensuring her safety. No interference from your captain."
 
"What's your next move, Maya?" Gabriel asked. "You've identified the mole within Champ's association. Vladimir and I have established connections with Eclipse and Phoenix. What then? Will you report back to Champ, putting us all at risk? You're now entrenched in the syndicate, Maya. Your life is forever tied to Champ's group. Escape seems impossible."

Maya's eyes locked intensely on Gabriel's. "You really don't get me," she said, her voice laced with exasperation. "I've earned the trust of your father, the organization's former leader. Champ, on the other hand, was more than just a superior – he was my constant companion, my confidant, almost like a big brother. I served as his personal assistant, privy to his innermost secrets." She leaned back, her gaze drifting into the past. Her voice softened. "Champ took me under his wing after I lost everything. He became my guardian, my mentor. I trusted him implicitly from day one." Her voice cracked. "To me, Champ was family – the only one I had left. The entire syndicate became my world, my sanctuary."
 
Gabriel's piercing gaze locked onto Maya's, his expression empathetic. "Five years," Maya whispered, her voice barely audible. "Five years of being with him, performing tasks that conflicted with my values. I executed Champ's orders without question, suppressing inner turmoil." Her eyes drifted, memories flooding her face. "Then, fate intervened. I met Harry Delano, Hyunjie's brother. His kindness, compassion and sincerity stirred something profound within me, awakening doubts and questions. For the first time, I envisioned a life beyond Champ's grasp. Harry became my beacon, guiding me toward redemption, my bridge to a brighter, freer existence. His influence made me question everything."
 
Gabriel was listening silently, and he merely nodded, reflecting on Maya's words that still resonate with Harry, who she remains unaware is the same Harry Delano she once loved, now known as Phoenix. However, Gabriel cannot just seize this opportunity; he must first persuade Maya to accompany him to meet Phoenix in person and understand the true individual behind the mask.

Maya's voice trembled, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "But he killed Harry," she whispered, anguish etching her face. "I've tried pleading, reasoning, but Champ's heart is deaf to my words. His cold gaze pierces my soul." She paused, collecting her thoughts. "I knew Champ differently – compassionate, protective. Now, his eyes burn with ruthless ambition. His transformation chills me.".Determination hardened her jaw. "That's why I've joined forces with the police. My mission is clear: justice for Harry's senseless murder and dismantling Champ's vast, crime syndicate. I'll risk everything to ensure his reign of terror ends."

"Justice? Or vengeance?" Gabriel asked, but Maya remained silent, leaving the silence to dominate once more. "Like it or not, you will accompany me to the location of Phoenix, where you will encounter Hyunjie Delano, I guarantee that, Maya. Also, Phoenix wants to tell you something."