Chapter 6 - The Gala
The Vance Estate was a sprawling, modern mansion made of glass and steel, a stark contrast to Arthur's classic home.
Maya felt completely out of place in the sleek black evening gown Arthur had bought for her.
“You look perfect,” Arthur whispered as they stepped out of the limousine. “Just remember the plan.”
Maya nodded, her heart hammering against her ribs.
“Stay close to you until the auction starts. Then, slip upstairs.”
They walked into the grand ballroom, instantly drawing the attention of the elite crowd.
Whispers erupted as people noticed the reclusive Arthur Penhaligon had actually shown up.
Victor pushed through the crowd, a fake smile plastered across his face.
“Arthur! You made it!” Victor exclaimed, holding his arms out.
“I wouldn't miss it, Victor,” Arthur replied smoothly.
Victor's eyes slid over to Maya.
“And who is this lovely creature? I didn't think you dated.”
“She's an associate,” Arthur said coldly.
Victor smirked. “Well, make yourselves at home. The charity auction begins in twenty minutes.”
As Victor walked away to greet the mayor, Arthur leaned in close to Maya.
“The office is on the third floor. Second door on the right. The passcode is Elise's birthday. Six, twelve, eighty-four.”
Maya nodded.
Twenty minutes later, the lights dimmed, and the auctioneer took the stage.
Arthur stepped into the spotlight, immediately drawing Victor into a high-stakes bidding war over a painting.
Maya slipped away into the shadows.
She found the service stairs and hurried up to the third floor.
The hallway was quiet, lined with modern art.
She found the second door on the right and typed in the code: 061284.
The light flashed green, and the door clicked open.
Maya slipped inside, turning on her phone flashlight.
The office was immaculate.
She went straight to the massive desk and began checking the drawers.
Locked.
She looked around, spotting a large landscape painting on the wall that looked slightly crooked.
Maya pulled the edge of the frame, revealing a wall safe.
She tried the birthday code again.
Error.
She thought frantically. What would a narcissist like Victor use?
She typed in Victor's own birth date.
Click.
The safe opened.
Inside were stacks of cash, a velvet box, and a thick, leather-bound black book.
The ledger.
Maya grabbed the book and opened it.
She flipped through the pages until she found the year of the crash.
There it was.
November 12th. Payment: $50,000. Recipient: Jimmy's Auto. Service: 'Problem solved.'
“Got you,” Maya whispered.
May you like
Suddenly, she heard heavy footsteps approaching the office door.
Someone was coming.
