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…

«Thank you,» she said to the lawyer. «For the information and help.» «No need to thank,» Theresa replied, standing.

«I’m doing my job.» And between us, she lowered her voice. «You acted very bravely.»

Not everyone would dare stand against the system Victoria and her backers created. She said goodbye and left, leaving Emily with new thoughts and a sense of relief. Perhaps everything would turn out for the better.

Perhaps truth would prevail after all. Emily spent the night in the cell, but no longer in despair, but in anticipation. In the morning, they came for her and led her to Agent Smith’s office.

Michael was already there, a bit gaunt, with stubble on his face, but clear eyes and a smile. «Emily!» He stepped toward her but stopped, not daring to hug. «Are you okay?» «Yes,» she nodded.

«A lawyer came to me,» she told about the situation. Smith, watching their meeting, cleared his throat to get attention. «So,» he said in an official tone, «in light of new circumstances and evidence provided by the FBI’s Economic Crimes Unit, charges against both of you are dropped.

You’re free, but must remain in the city until the investigation and trial end.» He handed them documents. «Sign here.

This confirms you’re aware of the decision and agree not to leave the city. Emily and Michael signed the papers. You can get your things from the duty officer,» Smith added.

«And yes, someone’s waiting for you in reception.» Introduced himself as Paul O’Brien. Leaving the agent’s office, they indeed saw Paul—or now O’Brien.

He looked completely different from their last meeting. In a strict suit, clean-shaven, with the confident, calm gaze of a professional. Emily, Michael, he nodded to them.

«Glad to see you free. I apologize for the necessary secrecy and temporary inconvenience.» «Inconvenience?» Emily couldn’t hold back indignation.

«You call arrest and a night in a cell inconvenience.» Paul looked at her with understanding. «I know it was tough.

But believe me, it was the only way to ensure your safety and preserve the operation. If Victoria learned you were cooperating with us, the consequences could have been much worse than a night in a cell.» Emily wanted to argue but understood he was right.

Victoria wouldn’t stop at anything to protect herself and her backers. What now? Michael asked. Smith said we must stay in the city.

Yes, until the investigation ends, Paul confirmed. «But that doesn’t mean you have to stay locked up. You can return to normal life.

Just…» He paused, but Apex Commerce Inc. won’t be the same. The company is under external management, audit ongoing, many employees will be questioned. And us? Emily asked.

What about us? You’re key witnesses, Paul replied. Your testimony will be decisive in court. But that doesn’t mean you have to put life on hold.

On the contrary, the sooner you return to normal life, the better. He pulled a business card from his pocket and handed it to Emily. My real phone number.

If problems or questions arise, call anytime. Emily took the card. It simply said «Paul O’Brien, FBI Economic Crimes Unit.»

«Thanks,» she said, putting the card in her bag. «And one more thing,» Paul added. «The materials you provided were very valuable.

Much more than you could imagine. They allowed not only to expose the scheme at Apex Commerce Inc. but also to uncover a whole network of similar companies through which billions of dollars were laundered. You did the country a great service.

Michael and Emily exchanged glances. The thought that their actions had such far-reaching consequences was both frightening and inspiring. «We just wanted the truth,» Emily said quietly.

«And thanks to you, truth prevailed,» Paul nodded. «And now, if no more questions, I must go.» «Work doesn’t wait.»

He shook their hands and left, leaving them alone in the FBI reception. «What now?» Michael asked, looking at Emily. She pondered.

Everything that happened in the last few days had completely changed her life. Work at Apex Commerce Inc. was in the past. Relationship with Michael.

Complicated question. «I don’t know,» Emily honestly replied. «Need time to process everything.

To understand what to do next.» Michael nodded, understanding her feelings. «I have a suggestion,» he said.

«Let’s start small. Just go somewhere to eat.» «I’m starving, and I’m sure you are too.»

Emily smiled. This simple human approach was exactly what she needed now. Not grand plans and decisions, but something simple and understandable.

«Sounds great,» she said. «I know a good cafe nearby.» They got their things from the duty officer and left the FBI building.

The day was clear and warm, as if nature itself rejoiced at their release. They walked down the street, talking about simple things—weather, the city, how the center had changed in recent years. Avoiding big topics and painful questions.

In the cafe, they ordered lunch and finally relaxed. The food was simple but tasted incredibly delicious after everything. «You know,» Michael said when they finished eating, «I need to tell you something.»

«Something I’ve been hiding all this time.» Emily tensed. «Another secret?» «Another blow.»

«What exactly?» Michael took a deep breath. «Remember the fortune teller at the airport?» «The one who warned you of danger and advised going back to the office.» «Of course,» Emily nodded.

«If not for her, I’d have flown away and never learned the truth. It wasn’t a random encounter,» Michael said quietly. «I hired her.

More precisely, not exactly a fortune teller, but an actress. I knew Victoria was planning something serious, but couldn’t warn you directly—she was watching my every move. So I came up with this way.

Emily stared at him, not believing her ears. You? You planned this whole thing with the fortune teller? Michael nodded. I was afraid for you, Emily.

Afraid Victoria would use and frame you. She’d done it before with others. With other women.

So it’s true?» Emily asked quietly. What she said about your past flings with her employees, Michael lowered his eyes. Partially…