Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Rising Tensions

The following days were a whirlwind of activity. Sophia, James, and a small team of trusted journalists at the New York Sentinel worked around the clock, analyzing the documents and data from the flash drive. What they uncovered was staggering – a complex network of fraud, embezzlement, and corruption that extended far beyond Blackwood Enterprises.

"This is bigger than we thought," James said, rubbing his tired eyes. "Blackwood's got half the city's elite tangled up in this mess."

Sophia nodded grimly. "Which means we need to be absolutely certain about every detail before we publish. These people won't go down without a fight."

As they worked, Sophia couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. Twice, she noticed a black SUV parked across from her apartment building. When she mentioned it to James, he insisted on hiring a security detail for her.

"We can't be too careful," he said. "Blackwood must suspect something's up."