Chapter 235 Identifying the Weakness
Seeing Kaelen freak out, Skyview knew his plan had hit the mark. Way before the Brighter Futures Ball, he’d reached out to his old buddy AlphaDog, a hacker with a legendary rep. Thanks to AlphaDog’s almost magical skills, Skyview had dug up everything on Kaelen.
He even got the dirt on Kaelen and Calix’s hotel stay—records that were wiped but brought back to life by AlphaDog from the Tranquil Haven Resort & Spa’s servers. With this ammo, Skyview hit up Calix and, for a hefty price, got every juicy detail of their encounter.
Skyview had set the stage for this very moment. Kaelen had totally underestimated him, that much was clear. But Skyview hadn’t underestimated Kaelen.
“If you’re into tech, you’ve probably heard of those new cameras that attach to your eye,” Skyview said to Kaelen. “Top-notch stuff, mostly used by agents. Goes for about $100,000 on the black market.”
“Find it. Now!” Kaelen barked at his assistant, who immediately started searching. It didn’t take long. The internet was a powerful tool, and Kaelen himself had access to several dark web marketplaces.
“Mr. Darkmoon, there’s definitely such a camera. Super discreet. Less than a year old, and the going rate is around $150,000. But used? $100,000 is believable,” the assistant reported.
Rage bubbled up inside Kaelen. He hadn’t thought Calix might have recorded anything. For a split second, he wanted the guy dead.
“So, what do you think now?” Skyview asked, a sly smile on his face. “Tell me, Kaelen, what’s running through your mind?”
Kaelen’s voice was a dry rasp. “Calix is nothing. He dares try to blackmail me? Doesn’t he fear the consequences?”
Skyview’s voice was calm, measured. “Kaelen, you may be powerful, but Calix is under my protection now. You won’t touch him.”
Kaelen was speechless. “Very well,” he finally said, forcing a smile. “Impressive. Your plan is quite good! But do you really think this video can hurt me? Even if it gets out, it won’t affect me much.”
“Kaelen, you think I don’t know about the Darkmoon Family?” Skyview shot back. “As I understand it, the current head is Peregrine Darkmoon.”
“And Peregrine’s favorite is Seraphim, not you. Peregrine has always wanted Seraphim to inherit, but compared to you, he’s mediocre. The family knows it, which is your only saving grace.”
“But the Darkmoons are traditional. The elders, especially, are deeply conservative! If Peregrine knew it, he might just reconsider your position. Even if it’s just to secure your inheritance, this USB drive is worth every penny.”
Skyview’s words were sharp, precise, cutting straight to the heart of the Darkmoon Family dynamics and Kaelen’s shaky position.
Kaelen was stunned. “You know all that?”
Skyview smiled. “If I didn’t know your weaknesses, Kaelen, how could I possibly make you bend?”
“I won’t break,” Kaelen spat back, his defiance a shield. “So what if I don’t inherit? I’m not like that spineless Seraphim. I can succeed without the Darkmoon name. I have my own strength!”
Skyview laughed. “You have the potential for greatness, that’s undeniable. But without your family’s support? You’ll hit a ceiling. You need them, Kaelen. And for that, 200 million for this little drive is a small price to pay.”
Kaelen felt a knot of anxiety tighten in his chest.
“And let’s not forget your political aspirations,” Skyview continued, “You want to be the next Prime Minister of Skyscape City. But with this video online? That ambition dies before it even begins. $200 million is a bargain to keep your future intact.”
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