Chapter 42 Accusing Athena of Kidnap!
Carlos stood there, phone still in hand, his heart pounding in his chest. The weight of the situation seemed to lift momentarily as he processed his wife’s words. His son was safe. He was at the police station, unharmed, and that meant Athena couldn’t possibly be guilty of kidnapping.
Yet, despite the relief, a lingering unease gnawed at him. He had been so sure of his plan to accuse Athena, to turn the tables on her and make her admit to her supposed crime. But now, with his son safe, that option evaporated. He couldn’t go forward with his accusation—there was no proof.
Carlos turned slowly to face Athena, his eyes burning with resentment. “Miss Newton,” he said, his voice shaking with a mix of anger and disbelief, “I underestimated you. You knew exactly what you were doing all along.”
Athena’s calm demeanor didn’t waver. She simply raised an eyebrow, her gaze never leaving him. “It’s always easier to overestimate one’s power than to underestimate someone else,” she replied softly. “You wanted to play your game, but in the end, you couldn’t outsmart me, Mr. Butler. You’ve already given me everything I need.”
Carlos clenched his fists, feeling the sting of defeat, but he wasn’t ready to surrender completely. “This isn’t over,” he spat, though the words were empty. “You may have won this round, but I’ll find a way to make you pay.”
Athena didn’t even flinch. Instead, she picked up the stack of papers Carlos had written and passed them to Gideon, who had been silent throughout the exchange. His expression was unreadable as he flipped through the pages, processing the information.
Gideon was no fool. He understood the magnitude of what Carlos had just handed over. It was more than just names on a page. It was a map of corruption, a guide to the very people who had enabled Carlos’ rise and the destruction he had caused. Carlos had just signed his own fate.
Carlos stood frozen, watching as Gideon read through the documents. Every moment that passed felt like an eternity, the tension building in his chest. He wanted to scream, to lash out, but he knew it would be pointless. Athena had already outmaneuvered him.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Gideon set the papers down and looked at Carlos, his face hard with the realization of just how deep the corruption ran. “You’ve made a choice,” he said quietly, his voice carrying the weight of the situation. “Now, there’s no going back.”
Carlos’ eyes flicked nervously between Athena and Gideon. “What now?” he asked, his voice hoarse.
Athena leaned back in her chair, unfazed by his desperation. “Now, Mr. Butler, we wait. You’ve given me what I need. Now it’s your turn to keep your end of the bargain. I’ll find your son, as promised, but I expect you to do the right thing when the time comes.”
Carlos’ stomach twisted with fear and dread. “What do you mean? What’s going to happen to me?” he asked, unable to suppress the panic creeping into his voice.
Athena’s lips curled into a faint smile. “For now, you’re safe. But don’t mistake that for mercy. You’ll be dealt with, in due time.”
Carlos felt a chill run through him. He had no idea what Athena had planned for him, but he knew it wouldn’t be pleasant. As she rose from her seat and walked towards the door, Carlos was left with a sinking feeling that his fate had already been sealed.
Gideon followed Athena out, leaving Carlos alone with his thoughts. His son was safe, but for how long? And what would happen next? The answers were out of his reach, and all he could do was wait for whatever Athena had in store for him.