Chapter 2 --2.
### The Next Morning
**BREAKING: Tech CEO Elara Chen Found Dead in Apparent Suicide**
*NetVault Security founder discovered in penthouse office amid federal investigation*
NEW YORK — Elara Chen, 29, CEO and founder of NetVault Security, was found dead in her penthouse office early Sunday morning. Initial reports suggest suicide by drug overdose, though the investigation is ongoing.
Chen’s death comes hours before a scheduled federal raid on NetVault headquarters. Sources close to the investigation indicate the company may have been involved in unauthorized data sharing with foreign entities.
"This is a tragedy," said Richard Morrison, Chen’s longtime mentor and NetVault’s primary investor. "Elara was under immense pressure. I only wish I’d seen the signs sooner."
Chen, who built NetVault from a dorm room startup to a billion-dollar corporation in just six years, was known for her brilliance and her notably reserved demeanor. Colleagues described her as "focused" and "driven," though some noted she seemed emotionally distant.
She leaves behind no immediate family. A private memorial service will be held—
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### The Awakening
*Drip. Drip. Drip.*
Water. Somewhere close. Rhythmic and slow.