The events directly preceding this moment synced with distant, frantic planning sessions in hushed tones, painstaking choreography, and a cacophonic rhythm of silences. Irfan and Layla were no longer in the phase of enduring everything that was thrown at them; now they were strategic robots conditioned for battle. An all-out battle that had evolved from simply putting Kamal down to reclaiming all of his usurpations from their family: the heritage, the reputation, the legacy, and the retribution. Retribution which lay in the shadows, unbidden, merciless, and strikingly profound. Retribution which Layla found impossible to turn her back to.
All of them painstakingly fought to gather every single piece of information that they could uncover. Each file was being gamed over and over to filter out anything sufficient enough to annihilate Kamal. She was no longer only interested in the Raven Project. She wanted unrestricted access to all of the vilest fantasies Kamal had woven. Every unutterable slander he constructed, every falsehood he spun, every secret he kept under the depths of the rubble, and every innocent soul whose life was obliterated to erect the empire of his nightmares.
"Everything seems to be in order," Irfan stated, scanning the files spread out on the table. "But we need to move quickly now."
Layla's expression shifted to a frown before she spoke. "We no longer have the luxury of time. Kamal is definitely planning to make his move."
They had been overly careful. But now, it was time to act and expose Kamal, the man who built an empire on bloodshed and betrayal. The world needed to know the truth.
"I'll send the files to the proper authorities," Irfan stated resolutely. "We'll trap Kamal inescapably in this."
Layla's eyes narrowed as she contemplated the last actions to be taken. Everything had to be executed perfectly. They could not risk a single blunder; one mistake would cause everything they had fought for to disintegrate, granting Kamal the victory.
"I'll manage the Raven Project," she said in a low tone. "I'll guarantee that Kamal never lays his hands on it again."
Irfan looked at her, panic momentarily overtaking his expression. "Are you certain you're prepared for this? Kamal will go to any lengths to safeguard his domain."
"I'm ready," replied Layla with steely conviction. "I've been ready for this moment my entire life. It's too late for him to ever truly stop me."
But something in the way she said those words made her feel uneasy. Aidan was still out there—and his betrayal was a storm cloud looming over the rest of her life so long as she knew what he did. No matter what his next move was, she felt in her bones that he was far from finished with her.
The plan was straightforward. Layla's part was simple enough. She would penetrate Kamal's headquarters and use her father's research to dismantle the Raven Project once and for all, guaranteeing the complete financial exposure of Kamal's empire for the world. Irfan would work from the shadows, monitoring the situation to ensure that the responsible bodies received the information needed to take action against Kamal.
However, this wasn't the only alternative they had in mind - not considering Aidan.
Aidan had done his part. As he nurtured and earned her trust, he worked to get to Kamal, turning her into a pawn. Now he was free somewhere out there waiting to make his next move. Understanding Aidan's intentions was beyond her. However, one thing was clear: he wouldn't stop until everything was in his grasp. If that included leveraging her to bring down Kamal, then he would undoubtedly do so without remorse.
"But Aidan," she thought to herself as new puzzles and questions formed in her mind, "he is a force of nature, but different compared to Kamal." He is the kind who is not just stone cold, rather, he is well thought out with brand-like precision and ruthless plotting. Outrageous and outlandish fears for goals set to reach beyond the horizon, deeper than the imagination of either Kamal or Layla.
Last time she heard them speak, "I need to meet with him." Her last heard quote burst with authority made her eager to anticipate what happens next.
Irfan lifted his gaze, a look of perplexity etched into his face. "Aidan? Why on earth would I meet him? Given all that's happened, are you seriously contemplating this?"
Focusing on him, gazing resolutely through her lashes, Layla responded, "I don't have a choice. I have to understand his plans. If I can force him to expose his plans too early, then I can neutralise him before it's too late."
Clearly still concerned, Irfan narrowed his eyes. "You're playing with fire, Layla. Aidan is untrustworthy."
"I know," she replied but brimming with determination. "But as long as he is the only one who knows all the details, he is an asset. He holds the power to shape this so that I can manipulate the situation. If I can't control him, then Kamal will always stay in power. And only then would I be able to reclaim my father's legacy."
Irfan exhaled slowly; the look of apprehension didn't waver as he said, "You haven't been economical with your bets. Yet, if it matters to you, then I shall stand by you."
With ease, Layla furthered, "This is critical. For us all, for family. Alongside our shared roots."
Like the included quote emerges in a distinct language, Layla further states with unabashed confidence, "Calm before the storm, bated breath maintaining equilibrium. Like glass teetering on the edge. Individual culminations in a collective throbbing ache, but my intuition isn't her straying mistake."
All of them—Kamal, Aidan, even her—were mere pieces in a far larger scheme than anyone could grasp.
Where soon, the epicentre would shift to Layla, who would then possess the power to make decisions that would shape the destiny of all participants, including herself.