Chapter 31: The Viper's Truth
Leo sat in his study, the photograph of Lin still clutched in his hand. The revelation that his sister was deeply embedded in the underground world left him stunned. Nero, perched on his shoulder, seemed unusually quiet, as if sensing the weight of the moment.
"Kai," Leo called out, his voice heavy with disbelief.
Kai entered the room, his usual composed demeanor unchanged. "What's bothering you now?"
Leo held up the photograph. "This. Lin. My sister. She's part of the Steel Vipers. Why didn't I know?"
Kai raised an eyebrow. "You didn't know because she didn't want you to. The underground world isn't exactly a family business you advertise."
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A Hidden Past
Lin had always been a private person, but Leo had never suspected her involvement in something so dangerous. Marco handed Leo a file with detailed information on her activities.
"She's not just part of the Steel Vipers," Marco explained. "She's their strategist. Every major operation they've pulled off in the last five years? Lin was the mastermind."
Leo flipped through the file, his eyes scanning reports of high-stakes heists, political manipulations, and territorial wars. It painted a picture of someone cold, calculating, and ruthless—qualities he never associated with his sister.
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Flashbacks of Lin
Leo's mind drifted to memories of Lin from their childhood. She had always been the clever one, outsmarting bullies and winning arguments with ease. She had a way of seeing things others missed, a skill that had now made her invaluable in the underground.
But what had driven her to this life?
"Why didn't she tell me?" Leo muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
Kai poured himself a glass of whiskey and leaned against the desk. "Maybe she was protecting you. Or maybe she didn't think you'd understand. Either way, you know now. The question is, what are you going to do about it?"
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The Steel Vipers' Reach
Lin's influence in the Steel Vipers wasn't just limited to strategy. She was the one who negotiated alliances with smaller gangs like the Silver Daggers and even brokered temporary truces with rivals. Her network was vast, and her decisions often determined the fate of entire regions in the underground.
"She's more powerful than I ever imagined," Leo admitted.
Marco nodded. "And more dangerous. If the Black Feather sees her as a threat—or an asset—they won't hesitate to act."
The thought of Lin being targeted by the Black Feather sent a chill down Leo's spine.
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A Secret Meeting
Determined to get answers, Leo decided to confront Lin directly. With Kai by his side, he arranged a secret meeting in a secluded part of the city.
The rendezvous point was a dimly lit café that Lin often frequented. She arrived wearing a sleek black coat, her expression unreadable.
"Leo," she greeted, her tone cool but not unkind. "It's been a while."
Leo wasted no time. "Cut the pleasantries, Lin. What's this?" He slid the photograph across the table.
Lin glanced at it briefly before meeting his gaze. "So, you've been digging. What do you want me to say?"
"The truth," Leo demanded. "How long have you been involved with the Steel Vipers? And why?"
Lin sighed, leaning back in her chair. "It started after Mom and Dad died. You were too busy trying to save the company, and I…I needed to find my own way. The Steel Vipers gave me purpose."
"Purpose?" Leo echoed, his voice rising. "By running with criminals?"
"They're not just criminals," Lin shot back. "They're survivors. Fighters. People who understand the world's harsh truths."
Kai, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "And what truth is that?"
Lin's eyes narrowed. "That power is everything. Without it, you're nothing but prey."
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A Warning
The conversation grew tense, but before Leo could press further, Lin leaned in, her tone turning serious.
"Listen to me, Leo. The Black Feather is watching you. They don't care about your business or your life. They only care about control. And if they think you're a threat, they'll eliminate you without hesitation."
Leo frowned. "Why would they see me as a threat?"
Lin hesitated. "Because you're connected to someone they can't control. Someone they fear."
Her cryptic words sent a jolt through Leo. Was she talking about Kai?
Kai, for his part, remained expressionless. "You seem to know a lot about them," he said, his voice calm. "How?"
Lin's gaze sharpened. "Let's just say I've had my share of dealings with their kind. And trust me, Leo, you don't want to be on their radar."
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Cliffhanger
As Lin prepared to leave, she placed a hand on Leo's shoulder. "Be careful, brother. The underground isn't forgiving. And remember—trust is a luxury you can't afford."
Leo watched her walk away, his mind swirling with questions and doubts.
Back at the estate, Kai poured himself another drink, his demeanor as calm as ever.
"You've got an interesting family, Leo," he remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Leo shot him a glare. "This isn't a joke, Kai."
Kai raised his glass. "Oh, I'm not joking. But if you're going to survive this, you might want to start seeing the world for what it is—not what you wish it to be."
And with that, Nero
squawked from his perch, breaking the tense silence.
"Big trouble. Big trouble."
Leo couldn't help but agree.