Flying off on vacation with her boss’s husband, the happy woman waited for him at the airport. Suddenly, a fortune teller touched her hand…

He ended the call and turned to Emily. Meeting tomorrow morning. Paul is an investigative journalist working for an independent publication.

We’ll give him all the documents, and he’ll make the story. And then? Emily asked. What about us? Michael sat next to her on the couch.

Then we’ll disappear. I have some savings Victoria doesn’t control. We can leave the country, start a new life somewhere they won’t find us.

We? Emily looked at him. You still think we’ll be together after everything that’s happened. Pain flashed in Michael’s eyes.

I understand your feelings, Emily. I deceived you, used you. But my feelings for you are real.

I really love you. Emily shook her head. I don’t know who or what to believe now.

Everything I thought was true turned out to be a lie. My job, our relationship, even my damn vacation. All part of some big game where I was just a pawn.

Michael wanted to say something, but Emily raised her hand, stopping him. Let’s deal with what’s happening first. Give the evidence, ensure our safety.

And then we’ll decide what to do next. Separately or together? He nodded, accepting her decision. You’re right.

Right now, the main thing is to survive and get the truth out. The rest can wait. Emily stood up from the couch.

I want to take a shower and rest a bit. Today was too long a day. Of course, Michael pointed to the door on the right.

Bathroom’s there. I’ll see what I can make for dinner. Emily went into the bathroom, locked the door, and leaned against it with her back.

Only now, alone, did she let the tears flow down her cheeks. Everything collapsed. Her career, her relationship, her plans for the future.

All turned to ruins. But somewhere deep inside, hope flickered. Perhaps something new and better would emerge from this chaos.

Perhaps through all these trials, she’d find her true path. Emily washed her face with warm water, wiping away tears and makeup. The mirror reflected a tired face with red eyes.

But in those eyes, there was no longer despair, only determination. «I’ll manage,» she said to her reflection. «Whatever happens next, I’ll manage.»

The next morning started for Emily with the smell of freshly brewed coffee. She opened her eyes and didn’t immediately realize where she was. Unfamiliar room, unfamiliar bed.

Then memory returned—escape, chase, friend’s apartment. Emily sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes. She felt broken, despite sleeping almost 10 hours.

Too many emotions, too much stress. She got up and left the bedroom. Michael was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.

«Good morning,» he said, seeing Emily. «How did you sleep?» «Not bad, considering the circumstances,» she replied, sitting at the table. «What time is it?» «Eight thirty.»

«We still have time before the meeting with Paul.» Michael placed a cup of coffee and a plate with an omelet in front of her. «Eat, you need strength.»

Emily nodded and started eating. Only now did she realize how hungry she was. Yesterday, she skipped dinner, saying she just wanted to go to bed.

«Do we have a plan?» she asked, sipping coffee. «What will we do after the meeting with the journalist?» Michael sat opposite her with a cup in hand. «I thought about it all night.

We need to disappear for a while. I have contacts abroad who can help. But first, get out of the city unnoticed.

Airports and train stations are probably under surveillance,» Emily noted. «Victoria knows our passport details, can track bookings.» Michael nodded.

«Exactly. So we’ll drive.» «Alex has an old Ford in the garage.

No one will look for us in that car.» Emily pondered. The plan sounded risky, but they had no other options.

«And documents?» she asked. «The external drive with files?» «All with me.» Michael patted his shirt pocket.

«I don’t part with it for a minute.» They finished breakfast and started getting ready. Emily changed into clothes she found in the closet—apparently belonging to Alex’s girlfriend.

The jeans were a bit big, the T-shirt too bright, but she had no choice. Her own clothes, an elegant dress for vacation, wouldn’t suit a fugitive. At nine thirty, they left the apartment.

Michael was tense, constantly looking around. They went down to the underground garage, where the old silver Ford stood. «Here’s our transport,» Michael said, unlocking the door with the key.

«Not a Ferrari, of course, but it’ll do the job.» They got in the car and drove out of the garage. The cafe where the meeting with the journalist was set was across the city.

«Do you think Victoria has reported to the police?» Emily asked, looking out the window at passing buildings. «Unlikely,» Michael replied, focusing on the road. «Too dangerous for her.

The police would start asking questions, digging into information. Most likely, she’ll use her connections to find us unofficially.» Emily shuddered, imagining what unofficial methods Victoria could use.

The people behind her clearly didn’t shy away from any means. They reached the cafe ten minutes before the appointed time. It was a small place in an old neighborhood, far from office centers and tourist routes.

Perfect spot for a secret meeting. «Wait here,» Michael said, parking the car in an alley behind the cafe. «I’ll check if Paul is there.»

He got out of the car and headed to the cafe entrance. Emily stayed sitting, nervously tapping her fingers on her knee. Dozens of thoughts swirled in her head.

What if the meeting with the journalist is a trap? What if Paul works for the same people as Victoria? What if… Her thoughts were interrupted by Michael returning after five minutes. «Paul’s inside,» he said. «All clear, no suspicious people.

Come on, they entered the cafe together.» At this hour, there were few patrons—a couple of elderly men playing chess in the corner, a young woman with a laptop by the window, and a middle-aged man at a table in the back. He raised his hand, greeting Michael.

«This is Paul,» Michael whispered to Emily, and they headed to the table. Paul turned out to be a sturdy man in his forties with attentive gray eyes and early gray in his dark hair. He stood when they approached and shook hands first with Michael, then Emily.

«Nice to meet you,» he said, shaking Emily’s hand. They sat at the table. Paul looked calm, but tension showed in his eyes.

«So,» he said, lowering his voice. Michael mentioned you have serious information. Michael nodded and pulled the external drive from his pocket.

Here is evidence of financial fraud at Apex Commerce Inc. Money laundering, document forgery, preparing for deliberate bankruptcy. Paul whistled.

Serious accusations. «Do you have specific documents confirming this?» «All on it,» Michael replied. Financial reports, management correspondence, details of withdrawal schemes.

«Everything needed for an investigation.» Paul took the drive and hid it in his inner jacket pocket. «I’ll study the materials and get back to you.

If it checks out, we’ll publish the investigation in the coming days.» «We don’t have days,» Emily objected. «They’re hunting us.

And as soon as Victoria realizes we have evidence, she’ll do everything to stop us.» Paul looked at her attentively. «I understand your urgency, but journalistic investigation takes time.

I need to verify all facts, find confirmations from independent sources. Otherwise, the material won’t hold weight. How much time do you need?» Michael asked.

«Minimum two-three days, if the information is as convincing as you say.» Michael and Emily exchanged glances. «Three days is a long time.

Too long, given our situation.» «Okay,» Michael finally said. «Three days.

But no more. And we need a place to wait this out safely.» Paul thought.

«I have a cabin outside the city. Quiet, few neighbors. No one will look for you in such a remote spot.»

«Sounds good,» Michael nodded. «How do we get there?» Paul took out a notebook, wrote the address, and drew a rough map. «It’s a two-hour drive from the city.

Road’s not the best, but you’ll make it by car. Keys under the stone by the porch, second from the right of the steps.» He tore off the sheet and handed it to Michael.

«Be careful.» Michael pocketed the paper. «Thanks, Paul.»

«We’ll wait for your call.» They stood from the table. Paul shook their hands goodbye.

«Good luck,» he said. «And don’t worry. Truth always finds a way.»

They left the cafe and quickly returned to the car. Emily felt a bit calmer after meeting the journalist. At least now they had a plan and a place to hide.

Michael started the car, and they drove onto the road leading out of the city. «Do you think we can trust him?» Emily asked when they hit the highway. Michael focused on the road…