Chapter 7 - The Lion's Den
I grabbed the ledger and flipped it open.
Rows and rows of handwritten numbers, offshore account details, and wire transfers filled the pages.
Many of them had Vanessa’s initials next to them.
“I have it,” I whispered, pulling the gold pen from my pocket.
I began turning pages rapidly, pressing the clip to snap photos.
Click. Click. Click.
“Cara, hurry,” Dante’s voice was tight with anxiety.
“Julian’s call ended early. He’s heading back down the stairs.”
Panic surged through me.
I had only photographed half the book.
“Just a few more pages,” I breathed, snapping frantically.
“Leave it! Get out of there now!” Dante ordered.
I shoved the ledger back into the safe, closed it, and swung the painting back into place.
I darted toward the door, turning the handle just as I heard footsteps approaching from the hallway.
I threw the door open and collided hard into a solid chest.
Papers flew everywhere.
I gasped, looking up into the cold, calculating eyes of Julian Vance.
“Watch where you're going,” he snapped, dusting off his suit jacket.
Then he paused, really looking at me.
His eyes narrowed.
“Who are you? You don't work on this floor.”
“I… I’m Clara, the new temp from HR,” I lied, forcing my voice to stay steady as I knelt to pick up the scattered mail.
“I got lost looking for the marketing director’s office.”
Julian didn't move. He watched me like a hawk studying a mouse.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver coin, flipping it over his knuckles.
My blood ran cold. The coin from the restaurant.
“Marketing is on thirty-eight,” he said slowly.
“Don't let me catch you up here again, Clara.”
May you like
“I won't. I'm sorry, sir.”
I clutched the papers to my chest and walked away, fighting the urge to run until I was safely in the elevator.
