Chapter 8 - The Safe in the Study
Miles away, inside the dark, sprawling mansion in the suburbs, Julian opened the concealed wall safe behind the portrait in his study. His hands were erratic, dropping documents onto the mahogany desk. Beside him stood Marcus, his trusted attorney and the only man who knew the entire architecture of his finances.
"You're running out of time, Julian," Marcus said quietly, keeping watch over the dimly lit foyer. "The board of directors called an emergency meeting for 8:00 AM. If they realize the escrow funds were moved into an offshore blind trust under Elena's name, they'll issue a federal warrant."
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Julian shoved stacks of passports and bearer bonds into a leather duffel bag. "I don't care about the board, Marcus. I need to get Elena out of the country before Vivienne makes her move. Vivienne was at the hospital tonight. She left a dossier in Elena’s room." Marcus turned, his expression darkening. "If Vivienne is already on the board’s payroll, Elena isn't safe in any medical facility."
Julian slammed the safe shut, breathing heavily. He had spent two years constructing this web of deceit, believing he could shield Elena from the fatal fallout of his company's bankruptcy. Instead, his lies had become the very weapon pointed at her heart. Suddenly, the study doors clicked. Julian spun around, reaching instinctively for the desk drawer, only to find the silhouette of Vivienne standing casually against the doorframe, a sleek silver revolver resting in her gloved hand.
