Chapter 10 - THE FINAL TWISTEvening fell once more over the city, casting long, golden shadows across the penthouse suite. Katherine sat at her massive mahogany desk, reviewing the final legal documents transferring all remaining dormant assets of the old estate into Lily's future trust.
Her phone chimed on the desk. It was an encrypted notification from an unknown sender.
Curious, Katherine tapped the screen. A single, short video file played automatically.
The video showed a dimly lit hospital room. A man with a bandaged chest sat in a wheelchair, staring blankly into a cracked mirror. It was Julian. But something was entirely wrong with him. His hair had turned completely white, his eyes were bloodshot and wide, and he was rocking back and forth, muttering incoherently to the empty room.
And then, a dark, gloved hand reached out from behind the camera, tapping Julian on the shoulder.
A distorted, chilling voice whispered through the speakers: "Did you really think prison was the end of your punishment, Julian? Welcome to the real game."
The video cut to black, accompanied by a sharp, rhythmic tapping sound—the exact rhythm of the silver lotus pendant Katherine wore every single day.
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Katherine slowly lowered her phone. She didn't look scared or surprised. Instead, a slow, knowing smile curved across her lips. She looked out the window toward the dark horizon, whispering into the empty room:
"Let the game begin."
