Chapter 11: B: Greed’s Bitter End

👉 Previous Decision: You chose Option B – Attempt to negotiate with Chen for a cut of the syndicate’s embezzled research funds.

Clara approached Victor Chen, the USB drive with Avery’s financial ledger clutched in her hand. Dr. Avery, bound and gagged, struggled in his chair, his eyes wide with terror.

“I have the complete ledger, Mr. Chen,” Clara stated, her voice trying to sound confident. “Every detail of Avery’s stolen millions. Very valuable.”

Chen watched her, his expression unchanging. “Indeed.”

“I want a cut,” Clara said, pushing her luck. The years of debt, the endless struggle, flashed through her mind. “Twenty percent of the recovered funds. For my cooperation, for bringing you this.”

A faint, chilling smile touched Chen’s lips. He tilted his head, a gesture of almost polite curiosity. “Twenty percent. You believe yourself a partner in this enterprise, Nurse Barrett?”

Clara felt a cold dread start to coil in her stomach. “I… I exposed him. I brought you the proof.”

“You fulfilled a function,” Chen corrected, his voice flat. “But greed, Nurse Barrett, is a security risk. It creates loose ends. And the Apex Syndicate leaves no loose ends.” He gave a subtle nod to one of his men.

Before Clara could react, a sharp, metallic object pressed against her temple. She felt a strong hand clamp over her mouth, pulling her backwards. She dropped the USB drive, her eyes wide with shock and dawning horror.

Chen picked up the drive, inspecting it. “Pity,” he murmured. “Such a useful asset, corrupted by a momentary lapse of judgment.”

The last thing Clara saw was Dr. Avery, his eyes still wide, but now reflecting a grim, shared understanding of their mutual, swift end.