The rest of the day passed in a blur. Classes, hallways, and the usual noise of Ridgewood International seemed muted to Maya, her mind consumed by the video, the planted drive, and the realization that someone was actively working against her.
Liam did not leave her side. He stayed close, a quiet presence that kept the fear from overwhelming her completely.
After school, they met in their usual spot behind the old gym, away from prying eyes. Liam had his laptop again, and Maya carried a small notebook, filling it with observations, notes, and patterns she had noticed over the last week.
We need a plan, Liam said, opening the laptop. We cannot react blindly. If they want to play games, we play better.
Maya nodded. "We start with Vanessa and her circle. They're predictable. Arrogant. They'll make mistakes."
"Exactly," Liam said, his voice low and sharp. "But we also need to anticipate anyone else who might be helping. Whoever planted this drive knows more than we think."
Maya's stomach tightened. "So… it's not just Vanessa. It's a network."
"Yes," Liam said, eyes fixed on the screen. "And networks crumble under pressure. We find the weak points, the ones who can't hold the story together, and we expose them first. Then the rest fall like dominos."
She exhaled slowly, her mind racing with possibilities. "And what about the video? Do we confront it directly?"
Liam shook his head. "Not yet. Let them make the first move. If they escalate, we respond with precision. This isn't a war of emotions—it's strategy."
Her pulse quickened at the word strategy. The idea of fighting back, of taking control, made her feel alive in a way she hadn't felt since the first leak.
Liam leaned back, studying her. "I know this is scary. I know it feels like everything is stacked against us."
Maya met his gaze, feeling the weight behind his words. "I know. But I also know… I trust you."
His lips curved faintly. "Good. Because from here on, you don't do anything without me."
A pause stretched between them. The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the field behind the gym. The air was still, but it carried the sense of something imminent.
Suddenly, Maya's phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number:
You think you're smart. You're not. Keep looking, and you'll regret it.
Her fingers trembled as she showed it to Liam.
He read it carefully, then folded his arms, eyes narrowing. "They're impatient. That means we're on the right track."
Maya's stomach twisted. Right track, or walking straight into a trap?
Liam caught her gaze. "Either way, we move forward. Together."
Her heart skipped, a mix of fear and determination tightening inside her chest.
For the first time in a week, Maya smiled faintly. She was not alone. And with Liam by her side, she was ready to face whatever shadows they had thrown at her.
Because this time, she would not be running.
She would stand.
And she would fight.