Coming out of the building with her fellow colleagues, Athena glanced at her wristwatch, then abruptly slowed. Her hand slipped into her coat pocket, brows knitting
.
"My wallet," she murmured, irritation perfectly measured. "I must've forgotten it upstairs."
Without waiting for a response, she turned back.
The elevator swallowed her whole.
Fifteenth floor.
Each number lighting up felt like a countdown. When the doors slid open, Athena walked straight to the Vice President's office, unlocked it, and stepped inside.
She sat opposite the computer, shoulders loose but alert. Her fingers flew across the keyboard—fast, efficient, merciless. Lines of confidential data streamed down the screen. A cold smile bloomed brilliantly on her lips as she inserted a flash drive.
Downloading.
Her gaze flicked once to the door. Then back to the screen.
Almost there.
The door opened.
Beth's chuckle cut through the room like a blade.
"Madam was right, you really have ulterior motives."
Athena didn't flinch. She slowly rose from the chair, turning only halfway.
"You finally showed yourself. I thought you were going to hide forever."
Beth's confidence wavered for half a second. "You knew I was following you?"
"It's not like you are quiet when walking."
Beth scoffed, jaw tightening. "Even if you know, your game ends here."
Athena straightened fully, eyes cold. "That depends on whether you have the ability."
Beth lunged.
The impact was immediate and vicious.
Athena barely sidestepped as Beth's fist smashed into the desk, splintering wood. Athena retaliated with a sharp elbow to Beth's jaw—bone cracking, teeth cutting flesh. Beth reeled but grabbed Athena by the collar and slammed her against the wall.
The air burst from Athena's lungs.
Beth drove a knee into her ribs—once, twice—each hit brutal, punishing. Athena snarled and slammed her forehead into Beth's nose. Blood sprayed. Beth screamed, staggering back.
Athena didn't give her space.
She swept Beth's legs out from under her, drove a heel into her stomach, then yanked her upright by the hair. Beth clawed blindly, nails tearing at Athena's arm, drawing blood.
Athena hissed—but smiled.
She reached into her pocket.
The syringe gleamed.
Beth's eyes widened in terror. "No—"
Athena seized Beth's hand, twisted it brutally until bone protested, then plunged the needle into her flesh. She pushed the plunger slowly, deliberately, watching Beth break.
Beth groaned, body trembling violently. "What is this?"
"My newly developed poison," Athena said calmly. "It will make you unconscious for three days."
She released her grip and stepped back, wiping blood from her lip.
"Sweet dreams."
"You—"
Beth collapsed hard against the floor, unconscious before the word finished.
Athena stood there for a breath longer, chest rising and falling, knuckles bruised, blood streaking her sleeve.
Then she turned back to the desk.
The download was complete.
She removed the flash drive, slid it into her pocket, straightened her coat, and walked out—leaving Beth broken on the floor and the office soaked in silence.