Chapter 86: A Ray Of Hope

Macmillan sat in the VIP section of an exclusive nightclub, one of the many clubs he managed for Count Griffin. The room was a cacophony of flashing lights, pounding music, and the low murmur of conversations.

Despite the wealth and the energy around him, Macmillan's mind was elsewhere, his thoughts consumed by the ever present threat of Ezra Matten.

He swirled the crimson liquid in his glass, staring into it as if it held the answers he was looking for. Ezra was out for his blood, and the pressure was mounting. He had underestimated the newborn, and now, he was paying the price. He didn't know how the vampire survived getting his heart destroyed but at the moment, that didn't matter. What mattered was him keeping his life.

"Ezra Matten." He murmured to himself. "Are you really a newborn? Are you really a first ring vampire?"

As he took a sip of his blood wine, the doors to the VIP section swung open, and Sarah walked in. Her entrance was purposeful, drawing his attention immediately. She moved with a confidence that bordered on arrogance, her eyes scanning the room before locking onto him. She approached with a sly smile, holding a small USB drive between her fingers.

"Macmillan," she said, her voice smooth and confident. "I have something for you. Something I think you'll love."

Macmillan raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. Sarah had been a reluctant addition to his coven and now that his wife was dead, he was considering kicking her out. "What is it?" S~eaʀᴄh the NôᴠelFirё.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Sarah's smile widened. "You'll see. Trust me, it's worth your time." She handed him the USB and, without waiting for a response, turned and left the VIP section.

Intrigued, Macmillan finished his drink and made his way to his private office in the back of the club. The office was a welcome change from the vibrant energy of the nightclub, its walls lined with dark wood paneling and decorated with expensive artwork. He sat down at his desk, the soft leather chair creaking under his weight, and plugged the USB into his computer.

The holographic screen flickered to life, and a video file appeared. He clicked on it, leaning back in his chair as the footage began to play. The video was grainy, the quality poor, but the content was unmistakable. It was a CCTV footage. He watched in confusion until he caught sight of the face of the man in the recording.

As Macmillan watched, a slow smile spread across his face. This was exactly what he needed. A way to turn the tables on Ezra and eliminate him completely.

The longer he watched, the more his relief grew. The video was a goldmine, offering him a lifeline. The weight that had been pressing down on him began to lift, replaced by a sense of control he had been missing.

As the video ended, Macmillan leaned back in his chair, a genuine laugh bubbling up from deep within him. It was a laugh of pure relief, a release of the tension that had been building for days. He had been on the edge, teetering between survival and destruction, and now, he had a way out.

He replayed the video, absorbing every detail, his mind racing with plans and possibilities. With this evidence, he could finally remove Ezra from the board and ensure his position remained secure.

For the first time in what felt like forever, Macmillan felt a sense of hope. As he laughed again, the sound echoed through the empty office. "Just you wait, Ezra Matten." He chuckled. "Let's see you escape this one."

**********

Macmillan entered the police station under the cloak of night, his presence barely acknowledged by the few officers on duty. The air was thick with the sterile scent of disinfectant and old coffee. He sniffed with disdain as he approached the front desk, his demeanor exuding confidence and purpose.

"I'm here to see Officer Target," he said, his voice low but firm and layered with a touch of his Aura.

The desk sergeant, a tired-looking woman with dark circles under her eyes, glanced up briefly and nodded. "Down the hall, third door on the left," she directed, barely lifting her gaze from her paperwork.

Macmillan made his way down the dimly lit corridor, the sounds of the station fading into the background. He reached the designated door and knocked, the sound echoing softly in the quiet hallway.

"Come in," a voice called from within.

Macmillan pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was modest, filled with filing cabinets and a cluttered desk. Behind the desk sat the man he was here for. Officer Target. White cap resting jauntily on his blonde hair, the peacekeeper glanced up.

"Macmillan," Target greeted him, his eyes narrowing in curiousity. "What brings you here at this hour?" He paused. "Well, it's our normal hours but this is quite an unusual visit."

Macmillan closed the door behind him and approached the desk, pulling the USB from his pocket. "I have something that requires your attention," he said, placing the USB on the desk.

Target picked up the device, turning it over in his hand before plugging it into his computer. He watched the screen intently as the video played. "Wait a minute. Isn't this that dude? The two hundred million credits dude? What was his name again?"

"Ezra Matten."

Target snapped his fingers. "Yes. That." He turned back to what he was watching.

When the video ended, Target leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled under his chin. "This is damning evidence," he said. "Ezra has clearly broken the Law of Secrecy. It's a clear-cut case." Then he smiled and leaned forward. "But I'll need assurances."

Macmillan nodded, understanding the unspoken request. He reached into his coat and pulled out an envelope thick with cash, placing it on the desk beside the USB. "Consider this a down payment for your services," he said smoothly.

Target took the envelope, weighing it in his hand before tucking it into his desk drawer. "This will do," he said. "But I'll need more once the case is underway. Ensuring justice isn't cheap, especially when dealing with a case of Secrecy Breach."

Macmillan smiled, a cold, calculated expression. "You have my word. There will be more where that came from, as long as you bring Ezra to justice."

Target extended his hand, and Macmillan shook it firmly. The deal was struck. "I'll start the proceedings immediately," Target said, grinning in anticipation. "Expect updates soon."

Macmillan nodded, a sense of satisfaction settling over him. He had set the wheels in motion, using the law to his advantage. And with Target's help, he would ensure that Ezra faced the consequences of his actions.

As he left the police station, the night air felt invigorating. The plan was in place, and Macmillan felt a renewed sense of control. He had played his card well, and now it was up to Target to execute their plan. The night was far from over, and with each step, he moved closer to securing his position and eliminating the threat that Ezra posed.

"So long, Ezra Matten." He whispered to himself. "So long."