After leaving the café, Maya walked home alone through the quiet streets.
Her mind was spinning with questions.
Olivia's words kept echoing in her head.
"The game where I win."
What kind of game was she talking about?
When Maya finally reached her apartment, she dropped her bag on the couch and sat down heavily.
Her phone buzzed.
A message from Daniel.
"Please be careful. Olivia is more dangerous than you think."
Maya sighed.
She was tired of being afraid.
If Olivia wanted to start a game, then Maya would learn how to play too.
But she needed information.
And Daniel clearly knew more than he had told her.
Maya grabbed her jacket again.
She needed answers tonight.
Daniel opened the door slowly when Maya knocked.
His expression showed surprise.
"Maya? I thought you went home."
"I did," Maya said.
"But I need the truth."
Daniel hesitated before letting her inside.
The apartment was messy, like someone who had not been sleeping well.
Maya sat down on the couch.
"Tell me everything," she said.
Daniel sat across from her.
"There's something I never told you," he admitted.
"What?"
Daniel took a deep breath.
"Olivia's father owns the company where we both work."
Maya blinked.
"What?"
Daniel nodded.
"He's the CEO."
Maya felt the pieces starting to connect.
"That's why she has power."
"Yes."
Daniel looked ashamed.
"When she started showing interest in me, I tried to avoid her."
"And then?"
"She discovered you."
Maya's chest tightened.
"And that's when the threats started."
Daniel nodded.
"She said if I rejected her completely, she would make sure you never got a job in the industry again."
Maya felt a wave of anger.
"So you stayed close to her to protect me?"
"Yes."
Maya looked away.
It was difficult to accept.
But something about Daniel's expression told her he was telling the truth.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" she asked quietly.
Daniel's voice softened.
"I didn't want you to worry."
Maya shook her head slowly.
"You should have trusted me."
Daniel looked at her with regret.
"I know."
There was a long silence between them.
Finally Maya spoke.
"If Olivia wants a game…"
Daniel looked confused.
"…then we'll give her one."
Daniel frowned.
"What are you planning?"
Maya's eyes hardened with determination.
"I'm not running anymore."
She stood up.
"From now on, Olivia isn't the only one making moves."
Daniel stared at her.
For the first time since everything started…
Maya was no longer the victim.