She still couldn't believe it.
The man shaking hands with Jate in the CCTV footage—
Was that really him?
Her chest tightened as the image replayed in her mind.
"Where is he?" Siya asked, her voice breaking despite her effort to stay composed.
"He's… not home right now," Andy replied quietly, avoiding her eyes.
Without another word, Siya turned and walked to her room.
"Leave me alone for a while," she said, closing the door behind her.
Hours passed. Night crept in silently, but she never came out.
"She hasn't eaten all day," Andy whispered.
"Just leave her for now," Ali replied softly. "She's in pain."
"She's been deeply betrayed," Andy said. "Even if she tries, she may never forgive… or trust anyone again."
Ali gave a short laugh. "She's the boss. She's not weak. If anything, her anger must be at its peak right now."
As if summoned by those words, the door slowly opened.
Siya stepped out, her eyes calm—but dangerously cold.
"Does he know that we've found out?" she asked.
"I think… probably yes," Andy answered.
"Our danger has increased," Siya said flatly.
"What's your decision, boss?" Ali asked.
Siya's voice hardened.
"We'll kill them all. Everyone will pay for what they've done."
The room went silent.
Suddenly, the TV screen flickered to life.
There he was.
Standing beside Jate. Smiling.
"You're too naïve, Siya," Jate's voice echoed. "A venomous snake was always around you. You just didn't realize you were already bitten."
Rage burned through her.
"Why?" she shouted at the screen. "Why did you do this, George?"
George lowered his head. He looked… ashamed.
"There was something I needed to achieve," he said slowly. "And I couldn't do it with you."
"You were hungry for power," Siya snapped. "Then speak! Why are you silent now? What about the trust we gave you?"
His hands trembled.
The screen went black again.
Something felt wrong.
"Stop the video," Siya ordered suddenly.
"Pause it. Look at his hands."
Ali froze the frame.
"He's making the sign… 22," Ali whispered.
"That's our secret code," Andy said sharply.
"Yes," Ali replied. "It means danger. He's warning us."
Siya's breath caught.
"Zoom in," she said.
As the image sharpened, realization struck her like lightning.
"He doesn't look like someone controlling this," Andy murmured.
"He looks like someone being used."
Siya clenched her fists.
"Is this… another deception?" she whispered.
"Or is he trying to tell us the truth?"
And for the first time since everything fell apart, doubt replaced her rage.
What if… he's innocent?