Chapter 284: Night Affairs III
The phone buzzed incessantly on Athena’s nightstand, the caller ID illuminating the screen once more to reveal Aiden’s name, stubbornly demanding her attention.
She huffed, choosing to face the ceiling, while fighting the urge to pick up. Ignoring him felt like a form of rebellion against a stubborn whirlwind of emotions swirling in her chest.
For the umpteenth time, she would deny his call, but the fact pained her. The calls had become a bitter reminder of the fractures in their relationship, forcing her to evaluate the decay of trust that had once anchored their partnership.
Each ring echoed like a wave crashing against a cliff, relentless and unyielding. Athena buried her face in her hands, mentally scolding herself.
How could it have come to this? A former ally’s betrayal hitting harder than a physical blow, all the while Aiden continued to reach out, seemingly oblivious to the wall she was trying to build between them.
The betrayal weighed heavily on her heart, a lump forming in her throat as she ruminated on the actions of her former colleagues. They had known about the true nature of Scarlet’s death, yet stayed silent, hiding the grim truth from her. Their smiles had felt so genuine, their camaraderie so real.
Worse... How could they still hold positions in the CIA after what that stupid organization had done? She couldn’t help but wonder, picking her phone again.
The CIA had always presented itself as a bastion of justice, yet they had proven to be just as corrupt as the criminals they always handled.
And the idea that the Boss, Shawn and Eric, could still work under the banner of the organization despite such treachery left her feeling hollow. She had always trusted them to uphold a standard that now seemed to evaporate like mist before the morning sun.
What was the difference between them and Alvarez then?
If nothing else, she knew there was no way she could reach out to them; pride wouldn’t let her. Yet, she knew no other one in the CIA, no one whom she could trust to handle this situation with Alvarez and co.