Chapter 41 A Heart of a Wicked Witch
Carlos was breathing heavily, his mind a whirlwind of anger and fear. He had underestimated Athena, thinking he could outmaneuver her with his usual tricks, but now it was clear that he was in deeper than he could have imagined. The words she had spoken earlier about children choking had struck him to his core. His son—his innocent son—was the leverage she had over him, and Athena was no longer pretending to play nice.
Her calm, collected demeanor only made the tension in the room more palpable. She had the upper hand, and Carlos knew it. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he tried to restrain himself. “You think you’re untouchable, don’t you?” he muttered through gritted teeth.
Athena didn’t flinch. Her gaze remained steady, and for a moment, it felt like she was studying him, calculating her next move. Finally, she spoke, her voice cold but measured. “Mr. Butler, I’ve seen many men like you—greedy, power-hungry, thinking they can control everything. But let me tell you, your world is crumbling now. Your son’s safety lies in your cooperation. Nothing else matters anymore.”
Carlos’ mind raced. He had no choice but to comply, but the anger bubbling within him made it difficult to swallow his pride. “You want me to betray everyone, don’t you?” he spat. “To name names, to bring down everyone who’s been helping me? And for what? So you can play your little game of justice?”
Athena’s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of something dangerous flashing behind her composed exterior. “This isn’t a game, Mr. Butler. You’ve crossed lines that you can’t uncross. But the thing about betrayal is, sometimes it’s the only way out. It’s your choice—your son’s life or your pride.”
Carlos didn’t respond immediately. He was torn, his thoughts at war with each other. If he cooperated, he’d be condemning the people who had been his allies. If he didn’t, his son would suffer, and that was something he couldn’t bear.
Gideon, who had remained silent until now, looked up from the papers he was reviewing and added, “The truth is out there, Carlos. Whether you want to face it or not, your son is safe for now. But the longer you wait, the worse things will get for you.”
Athena’s fingers drummed on the table, the only sound in the room besides Carlos’ ragged breathing. Her gaze flicked back to him. “So, Mr. Butler,” she began again, her tone almost playful, “are you ready to tell me everything?”
Carlos didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he glanced at the door as if hoping for a way out, but there was none. His son was the only thing that mattered now. Finally, with a heavy sigh, he slumped in the chair. “What do you want to know?” he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
Athena’s smile was cold and calculating as she slid the notebook closer to him. “Write down every name, every transaction, every secret. Start from the top.”
As Carlos picked up the pen, the weight of the situation crushed him. His world was falling apart, and it was all because of his own actions. His son’s future—his own future—depended on this moment. He glanced once more at Athena, who was watching him with an almost detached curiosity, and then he began to write.