012: The Enemy Within

Elena's fingers tightened around the black envelope.

The photograph had been taken inside Damian's mansion. She was standing by the garden that afternoon, completely unaware that someone had been watching her.

A chill ran down her spine.

"This... this was taken today."

Damian nodded, his face grim.

"Yes."

"Who could have done this?"

"I don't know."

His answer only made Elena more uneasy.

If Damian Blackwood, a man surrounded by guards and advanced security systems, didn't know who had entered his estate, then whoever was behind this wasn't ordinary.

The head of security hurried over.

"Mr. Blackwood, we've searched the entire property. No one was found."

Damian's jaw tightened.

"What about the security cameras?"

"They were disabled for exactly six minutes."

"Six minutes?"

"Yes, sir."

Damian cursed under his breath.

The culprit had planned everything well.

They knew where the cameras were.

They knew when the guards changed shifts.

Most importantly...

They knew Elena was here.

Damian turned to Elena.

"You're not leaving this mansion."

She frowned.

"I can't stay locked up forever."

"I'm not asking."

His voice was calm but firm.

"I'm telling you."

She looked away.

"I don't like being treated like a prisoner."

"You aren't a prisoner."

"Then why can't I leave?"

"Because someone wants you."

His words echoed through the silent hallway.

No one spoke.

Damian rubbed his forehead before speaking again.

"I'll double the security. Until I know who's behind this, you're safer here."

Elena reluctantly nodded.

She knew arguing wouldn't change his mind.

Later that night, Damian called an emergency meeting in his study.

His most trusted men gathered around the long table.

"I want every employee investigated," Damian said.

"No exceptions."

One of his managers hesitated.

"Even the senior staff?"

Damian's icy gaze met his.

"Especially the senior staff."

The room fell silent.

"There is a traitor among us," Damian continued.

"And I'll find them before they reach Elena."

Upstairs, Elena couldn't sleep.

She kept staring at the photograph.

Someone had followed her.

Someone had entered the mansion.

Someone knew exactly where she was.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in."

It was Mrs. Harper, the elderly housekeeper.

"I thought you might need some tea."

"Thank you."

Mrs. Harper placed the cup on the table and then smiled.

"Don't let fear control you, dear."

"I'm trying."

The older woman gently squeezed her shoulder.

"Mr. Blackwood has never protected anyone the way he protects you."

Elena looked up.

"What do you mean?"

Mrs. Harper smiled to herself.

"I've worked here for over twenty years."

"I've seen many people come and go."

"But I've never seen him lose his composure over anyone."

She paused.

"Until you."

Elena's cheeks warmed slightly.

Before she could respond, Mrs. Harper excused herself and left.

Elena stared at the closed door.

Could that be true?

The cold and distant Damian Blackwood...

Was risking everything for her?

Elsewhere in the city...

Vanessa sat inside a dimly lit café.

Across from her sat a man wearing a black cap.

His face remained hidden.

"You failed," Vanessa said coldly.

"The guards reacted faster than expected."

"You still left the message."

The man nodded.

"She looked terrified."

Vanessa smiled.

"Good."

She leaned forward.

"I don't want Elena dead."

The man looked surprised.

"I want her afraid."

"So afraid that she starts making mistakes."

He nodded slowly.

"And Damian?"

Vanessa's smile disappeared.

"I'll deal with him myself."

The mysterious man stood.

Before leaving, he asked one question.

"What if Adrian finds out?"

Vanessa laughed softly.

"He won't."

"He still thinks I'm the only woman who truly loves him."

The man walked away.

Vanessa remained seated, her smile growing colder.

Everything was moving exactly as she had planned.

Or so she believed.

She didn't know someone else had been watching her meeting from inside a parked car.

The figure lowered a camera after taking several photographs.

Then he made a phone call.

"Sir."

"I found Vanessa."

There was a brief pause.

"She isn't working alone."

The voice on the other end replied calmly,

"Keep watching."

The caller ended the conversation.

As the black car disappeared into the night, only one question remained...

Who was watching the hunter?