Marrying the son of Asraf 2

🪻Sixty~ 4🪻

The dim glow of Maryam's desk lamp illuminated the disarray of files scattered across her home office. Papers rustled under her trembling hands as she flipped through them, her frustration growing with each second. Her carefully calculated empire was on the verge of crumbling, and now, the news she had just witnessed had sent her into a downward spiral.

On the television screen in front of her, the news anchor's voice rang clear:

"Earlier today, authorities confirmed the arrest of businessman William Dickson. Though the cause of his arrest remains undisclosed, sources speculate that it is linked to a series of fraudulent activities. Further details will be provided as the investigation unfolds."

Maryam's grip on her pen tightened until it snapped in her hand. She cursed under her breath, slamming her fists on the desk.

"Who did this?" she hissed.

Her eyes darted around the room as if searching for answers. Who could have possibly set William up? She had been careful, making sure no loose ends were left untied. If William talked, if he revealed her involvement, it would be over for her.

She shoved the files off the desk, sending them tumbling to the floor. "Damn it!"

At that moment, her phone vibrated against the table. She snatched it up and glanced at the caller ID, it was Malik.

She exhaled sharply before answering. "What is it?"

"I assume you've seen the news," Malik's voice was calm, almost too calm.

Maryam clenched her jaw. "Of course, I have. And you sound too relaxed for someone who should be as concerned as I am."

Malik sighed. "Going berserk won't solve anything, Maryam. We need to find out who orchestrated his arrest. William is dangerous, but he's also smart. He won't talk easily."

"And what if he does?" she snapped.

There was a brief pause. "Then we make sure that when he does, there's nothing left to connect you to him."

Maryam leaned against her desk, her heart pounding. "I need to think," she muttered, then ended the call.

She turned back to the screen, her mind racing. She had spent years weaving her way into power, ensuring that Khalil would never rise again. She couldn't lose now. Not now!

Meanwhile, Faisal leaned over the desk in his dinning room at home, sifting through the digital records on his computer. Though he hadn't officially resumed his position, curiosity had driven him to investigate Maryam's activities. He had a gut feeling that something wasn't right, and after the fraud trail that Mr Bello wasn't proven, that feeling had only intensified.

His fingers hovered over the keyboard as he scrolled through suspicious transactions, he had answered Henry to help him with the marketing records and noticing several payments that didn't add up. Large sums had been moved under vague descriptions, but one particular transfer caught his attention. Funds redirected to an unknown offshore account linked to a company that didn't exist on paper. "What!"

He rubbed his chin, whispering to himself, "Maryam... what have you been doing?"

At the company, a knock sounded at the door as Khalil stepped in, his expressions were serious.

"Did you find anything?" Khalil asked, his voice low.

Ibrahim nodded and gestured toward the screen. "A lot of things don't add up. All the money that was borrowed and invested, it's not coming up. Maryam must have been siphoning them elsewhere."

Khalil crossed his arms. "That's enough to bury her."
He sighed, rubbing his temples. "One battle at a time. We need to deal with the company's debts first. I need you to compile a list of every creditor we owe."