Signed in Blood: The Price of Secrets

Pt~ 21 Kickback

The city outside hummed in twilight, lights flickering on like tiny declarations of life continuing. Inside, Lilith stood by the window, arms crossed. The board meeting had ended an hour ago, but the weight hadn't lifted.

A soft knock broke the silence.

NOAH (poking his head in)
"You've got a visitor. Says he's not here for negotiation—just... delivery."

Lilith raised an eyebrow.

"Eric. From Illumination."

Lilith nodded once. "Send him in."

The door opened, and Eric stepped in—sleek black suit, courteous smile, and a hesitation in his gaze that didn't match his usual polish. He didn't sit.
"Ms. Hawthorne. I'll be brief."

He placed a leather envelope gently on her desk, but didn't let go of it right away.

"This is the finalized restructuring proposal. It's... softened. Mr. Cross believes you deserve room to breathe. He admires your resilience."

Lilith's face remained unreadable.
"But he also knows how... isolating that resilience can be."

She didn't take the file.
"Is that what this is? A reminder of how many people I don't have?"

Eric's fingers tightened briefly on the envelope before letting go. He avoided her eyes for a second too long.
"It's a reminder that standing alone has its costs. This isn't meant to weaken you. It's meant to protect you—from everything that's coming."

He glanced around her office—bare walls, the dim lamp, the same coffee cup from the morning.
"You don't always have to carry, Ms.Lilith."

The use of her first name came out quietly—almost like he regretted it the second he said it. Lilith turned her head slightly, catching his expression—firm, but conflicted.
"You sound like you mean that."

He didn't answer. Instead, he stepped back, straightening the cuffs of his suit.
"I'll... pass along whatever response you give."

She walked to the desk and tapped the envelope with her finger—once.
"Then I suggest you both prepare for the noise."

Eric nodded. No smile this time. Just a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes before he turned and left.

Lilith finally turned back to the city, the envelope untouched behind her. The war hadn't started—but the first drum had sounded.

A Day Later

Caleb was asked to arrange for a press announcement regarding the current stand of the alliance.

The main floor of the conference planning office buzzed with quiet chaos. Caleb hovered over the logistics screen, cross-checking guest lists, PR representatives, and high-priority press outlets. His phone buzzed nonstop—approvals, requests, last-minute security updates.

Nicolai entered silently, like he always did, sleeves rolled to his elbows, his ID clipped at an angle like it had been worn all day. He carried a folder. Not his job, but he handed it to Caleb anyway.
"Updated press flow. I noticed a double booking in the media segment."

Caleb took the folder, eyes narrowing.
"You work for Cross, don't you? Why are you doing my job?"
"Caleb,dont hurt what we have for this.What do you want me to-" caleb cut him off, "do what you know is right,cant you see the raid was by Mr.Cross?"

He sighed,he already felt ignored by everyone,being babied by everyone,he didnt want to stretch that narrative with lectures.

Caleb didn't hide his suspicion. He stepped aside, checking the folder. It was neater than his current layout.
"You think this helps Lilith?"

Nicolai gave him a look that was unreadable—something between patience and warning.
"I think it keeps the spotlight steady... long enough for Ms.Hawthorne to hold the mic,and her point."

Before Caleb could respond, Nicolai turned away. Caleb watched him go, jaw clenched.

CALEB (muttering)
"Why does it feel like you know you are on the wrong side?"

Nicolai didn't answer. But as he passed one of the screens, his eyes lingered—just for a second—on Lilith's name highlighted in gold.

He kept walking.

The press announcement

"First, I want to thank everyone who reached out with support and concern over the past few hours. It's been overwhelming in the best way. The events that took place were unexpected and deeply disheartening—but I'm grateful to have come out safe and unharmed.

My team and I remain committed to innovation, honesty, and progress. We're a young company with big dreams—and like every new voice that rises, we may ruffle a few feathers. But we stand by our values, and I believe transparency and conversation will always speak louder than intimidation.

I also want to extend my gratitude to our senior ally, Mr. Cross, for expressing his concern and offering assistance during this time. It shows that unity within industries isn't just about business—but about standing up for what's right, together."

The last sentence would have been her blow to Mr. Cross, the answer he must be looking for since last week, your truth will be out,no matter how long it takes.She knew Nathalian Cross was going to be on her now,but she was ready.

END OF BOOK 1