Fair game

"Good morning, Atlantica! Welcome to the morning show that brings you all the latest news events," the first host announced with a bright smile.

"Not only that, but it also delivers the freshest gossip from all parts of the world and various industries," chimed in the co-host, a sparkle of excitement in his eyes.

"That's right, John. Unfortunately, this morning is filled with somber news, especially for the elites," replied Kayla, the first host.

John leaned in, setting a serious tone. "Indeed, Kayla. Since about 2 pm yesterday, following a board meeting where 12 prominent families withdrew from the Lane Corporation in anger, this once-mighty company has been spiraling into chaos."

Kayla nodded, concern etched across her face. "I'd say the word 'problem' is an understatement in this situation. In just ONE day, everything they've painstakingly built seems to be crumbling away."

"It's more than a problem; it's a catastrophe," John added, shaking his head in disbelief. "The troubles started when the Manuel Corporation's major research facilities mysteriously burnt down. This was swiftly followed by the exposure of numerous corporate crimes when investigators arrived on the scene, almost as if they had been tipped off."

"Indeed, it has come to our attention that all of these events occurred simultaneously for the 12 families," Kayla added, her voice tinged with concern.

"The repercussions of this incident are far-reaching. It has shaken the very foundation of the country's economy," John continued a grave expression on his face.

"You're right, John. Thousands of people have suddenly found themselves unemployed due to the collapse of these corporations. Our nation relies heavily on capitalism, and the fall of so many companies in just one day has triggered a devastating ripple effect throughout our economy," Kayla explained.

"Exactly, Kayla. It wouldn't be far-fetched to speculate that someone orchestrated this," John suggested.

"But, John, if someone did orchestrate this, they must be extraordinarily powerful. The consequences may not be immediately apparent, but within a week, middle-class citizens like you and me will likely bear the brunt of this economic catastrophe," Kayla lamented.

"That's a chilling thought, Kayla. The individual behind these events must either have wanted this outcome or not cared about the collateral damage," John concluded. The host then moves to other topics.

Mr Micheal switches off the TV with a sinister smile nestled on his face, his plan is going very well

In a lavishly decorated officer resplendent with warm, rich colors, Michael sat regally behind a grand wooden desk, a plush leather chair cradling him comfortably. The room exuded an air of sophistication, with elegant mahogany bookshelves adorned with leather-bound volumes lining the walls. Soft, ambient lighting cast a warm and inviting glow, creating an atmosphere that was both opulent and inviting.

Michael, an imposing figure with sharp features, sat with an air of authority, his eyes sharp and calculating as he surveyed the room. Beside him, his polished cane was carefully laid to rest, a symbol of both his status and power.

Mr Micheal switches off the TV with a sinister smile nestled on his face, his plan is going very well.

Seated across from him was a subordinate, impeccably dressed and attentive, ready to report on the unfolding situation.

"How is it going?" Michael inquired, his voice deep and commanding.

The subordinate leaned forward slightly, his expression composed and respectful. "It's all going very well, sir. The heads of each family are in custody, and the others are beginning to doubt the involvement of the Lanes, especially considering the attacks have primarily targeted those who left the corporation. Share prices are plummeting rapidly, and we have been actively purchasing them. So far, we've acquired approximately 12 percent of the company's shares at a significantly reduced rate," he reported with precision.

Michael, maintaining his air of authority, nodded in acknowledgment. "Stop purchasing the shares for now," he commanded, his tone firm. "The shares will soon be available at an even more favorable rate."

"Of course, sir," the subordinate replied promptly, though curiosity danced in his eyes. He couldn't help but wonder why his boss was instructing him to cease the stock purchases. It seemed counterintuitive given their recent successes.

Their conversation took an unexpected turn as the subordinate hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. "Sir, it has come to my attention that both Miss Amber and Cole are being arranged to leave the country. A private jet has already been prepared. Should we intervene and prevent their departure?" he inquired, his confusion evident.

Michael leaned back in his chair, contemplating the question for a moment. He exhaled slowly before finally responding, "No, let them go."

The subordinate, puzzled by the decision but ever obedient, replied with a crisp, "Understood, sir."

With the matter settled, Michael allowed his subordinate to take his leave. As the man exited the opulent office, he couldn't help but be perplexed by his boss's choices. The decision to let Amber and Cole depart seemed unusual, but he knew better than to question the wisdom of a man as enigmatic and formidable as Michael. After all, in his world, principles and strategies often transcended conventional morality, and Lillian was now in their sights, an adult fair game in their intricate power play.

In the dimly lit room, illuminated only by a soft, amber glow from a bedside lamp, Lilian stood before her younger sister, her face etched with a mixture of determination and worry. The air in the room felt heavy with the weight of their impending separation.

"Lilian, what the heck do you think you are doing?" Amber protested, her voice quivering slightly.

"I'm packing your stuff," Lilian replied, her hands gently folding her sister's clothes into a travel bag, each motion deliberate and purposeful.

Amber's eyes welled up with tears as she reached out to grasp her sister's arm. "I'm not going anywhere. I won't leave you," she insisted, her voice filled with a determination that mirrored Lilian's own.

Lilian turned to face her sister, her gaze locking onto Amber's, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. "Yes, you will," she said softly, her words laced with both vulnerability and love.

Amber's lower lip quivered, and she struggled to find the right words. "No, I won't. This time, I can help," she implored, her trembling hands reaching out to hold Lilian's.

A heavy silence hung in the air, filled with the unspoken fears and emotions that both sisters were grappling with. Lilian's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she continued to pack, but she knew that her sister's presence would be a liability in the dangerous game they were about to play.

"No, you can't help this time. It will be worse, you know it because you will be endangered," Lilian said, her voice tinged with sadness and desperation. She desperately wanted to shield her sister from harm, even if it meant pushing her away.

Amber's expression wavered, torn between her desire to stay by Lilian's side and the realization that perhaps Lilian was right. She whispered, "I thought it was us together against anything."

Lilian closed her eyes briefly, a solitary tear escaping her eyelashes before she looked at her sister again. She reached out and gently cupped Amber's face, her touch warm and reassuring. "And it is," she whispered back, her voice quivering with raw emotion. "But sometimes we have to fight apart. You not being here will give me the strength to fight. If you are here, I will hold back. I can't, no, I won't lose you. Please."

Amber's resolve began to crumble as she realized the depth of her sister's concern and love. Her trembling hands released Lilian's arms, and she nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I don't want to leave. I want to help," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lilian wiped away her sister's tears with her thumb, her own eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and determination. "And you can, by going away. Please, I need you to understand that you are all I have."

With a heavy heart, Amber finally relented, her shoulders slumping in resignation. "Okay, I will go. But you have to promise me that you'll let me know you are fine every day, and the same for Caleb too," she said, her voice quivering with the weight of their separation.

Lilian nodded, her voice tender as she replied, "Of course, every day we will call and tell you how much we miss you."

Their tearful embrace conveyed the unspoken love and bond that could withstand any challenge, even distance and danger. Lilian held her sister close, cherishing the moments they had left together before they embarked on their separate journeys, each hoping for the other's safety and success.

She also feels apprehensive they have not been able to talk to Cole yet but she parys it would be fine