Chapter 8 - The Dinner Party Trap
The next evening, the dining room was set for three.
Adrian had invited his lawyer, an old friend named Thomas, to add legitimacy to the charade.
Veronica wore a stunning red dress, playing the perfect hostess.
Grace served the soup, her face perfectly blank, betraying none of the terror from the previous day.
“Thomas, it’s so wonderful to see you,” Veronica said, offering a dazzling smile.
“Always a pleasure, Veronica,” Thomas replied, adjusting his glasses.
Adrian waited until Grace poured the wine before dropping the bait.
“Thomas, I need you to draw up some paperwork tomorrow,” Adrian said casually.
“Of course, Adrian. What kind of paperwork?”
“I am consolidating all the offshore accounts. Moving everything into one central, heavily fortified trust.”
Veronica’s spoon paused halfway to her mouth.
She tried to mask her sudden interest, but Adrian saw the spark in her eyes.
“Consolidating?” Thomas asked. “That’s a massive undertaking.”
“It’s necessary,” Adrian replied.
He leaned back, patting his suit jacket.
“I’ve put all the transfer codes and current ledgers onto a single master hard drive.”
Veronica swallowed. “Is that safe, darling? Having all that information in one place?”
“It’s perfectly safe,” Adrian smiled at her.
“I’m keeping it in the floor safe in my study. Only I have the code.”
He took a sip of his wine.
“Once Thomas files the paperwork on Monday, the old accounts will be burned. The Marzanos will never be able to track our cash flow again.”
Veronica’s eyes darted toward the hallway leading to the study.
The hook was set.
She had until Monday to get that drive, or her mission would be a total failure.
“Excuse me for a moment,” Veronica said, wiping her mouth with a napkin.
“I just need to use the powder room.”
She stood up and gracefully exited the dining room.
As soon as she was out of earshot, Thomas looked at Adrian.
“You’re playing a dangerous game, Adrian.”
“I know what I’m doing, Thomas.”
Adrian glanced at the service door, where Grace was standing by in the kitchen.
He knew Veronica wouldn't go for the safe tonight with people in the house.
May you like
She would wait for the perfect window.
And Adrian was going to give it to her.
