Chapter 8: The Web of Deceit

Alexander's eyes locked on Maya's, a mixture of surprise and wariness in their depths. He was a man who was used to being in control, and Maya could sense that he was taken aback by her sudden appearance.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he repeated, his voice firm but with a hint of uncertainty.

Maya's eyes never left his face. She could see the faintest glimmer of guilt in his eyes, and she knew that she was on the right track.

"Don't lie to me, Alexander," she said, her voice cold. "I know that something happened to me. I know that I didn't just disappear for 20 years."

Alexander's expression changed, his eyes narrowing. "What are you talking about, Maya?" he asked, his voice dripping with condescension.

Maya's eyes flashed with anger. "Don't play dumb with me, Alexander," she said. "I know that you're hiding something. And I'm going to find out what it is."

Alexander's expression turned cold, his eyes glinting with a hint of menace. "You're not going to find anything, Maya," he said. "Because there's nothing to find."

Maya's eyes never left his face. She could see the faintest glimmer of fear in his eyes, and she knew that she was getting close to the truth.

"I'll see about that," she said, her voice firm.

And with that, Maya turned and walked away, leaving Alexander staring after her. She knew that she had just thrown down the gauntlet, and she was ready for whatever lay ahead.

As she walked out of the office, Maya couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She looked around, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

But the feeling persisted.

Maya quickened her pace, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew that she was taking a risk by confronting Alexander, but she was determined to uncover the truth.

And she was willing to do whatever it took to get it.

As she walked out of the building, Maya was greeted by a blast of cold air. She shivered, wrapping her arms around herself.

And then, she saw him.

A tall, dark-haired man was standing across the street, watching her. Maya's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met.

Who was he?

And what did he want?

Maya's eyes locked on the stranger's, her heart racing with anticipation. Who was he? And what did he want?

The stranger didn't move, didn't blink. He just kept staring at Maya, his eyes piercing through the cold air.

Maya felt a shiver run down her spine as she stood there, frozen in uncertainty. She didn't know what to do, didn't know what to expect.

And then, the stranger moved. He stepped off the curb and began to walk towards Maya, his eyes never leaving hers.

Maya's heart skipped a beat as she watched him approach. She didn't know what to expect, didn't know what he wanted.

But as he drew closer, Maya saw something in his eyes that made her hesitate. It was a flicker of recognition, a glimmer of understanding.

"Who are you?" Maya asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The stranger smiled, a small, enigmatic smile.

"My name is Julian," he said. "And I've been waiting for you, Maya."

Maya's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with questions.

"Waiting for me?" she repeated. "What do you mean?"

Julian's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"I mean that I've been waiting for you to remember," he said. "To remember who you are, and what happened to you."

Maya's heart skipped a beat as she stared at Julian, her mind reeling with possibilities.

"What do you know about me?" she asked, her voice firm.

Julian's smile faltered, his eyes turning serious.

"I know that you're in danger, Maya," he said. "I know that Alexander Rykard is not what he seems. And I know that you're running out of time."

Maya's eyes locked on Julian's, her heart pounding in her chest.

"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Julian's eyes glinted with urgency.

"Come with me, Maya," he said. "And I'll tell you everything."

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