Chapter 8 - The Viper's Nest
Evelyn Vale glided across the marble floor like a predator moving through tall grass.
She held her champagne flute with absolute elegance, her diamond tiara catching the light.
I tightened my grip on Silas's arm, terrified that she would expose me to the entire room.
"Stay perfectly calm," Silas murmured through a rigid smile.
Evelyn stopped directly in front of us, her eyes tracing every detail of my emerald gown.
"Silas Thorne," Evelyn purred, extending a heavily ringed hand toward him.
"I am surprised the Sterling family let their guard dog off his leash tonight."
Silas kissed her knuckles with flawless, deceptive charm.
"Even guard dogs enjoy a night out, Evelyn."
Evelyn finally shifted her gaze to me, her eyes narrowing as she searched my face.
The heavy makeup and the expensive styling had completely masked the timid florist she knew.
"And who is your stunning companion?" Evelyn asked, not recognizing me at all.
"This is Julianne," Silas lied smoothly without missing a single beat.
"She is an acquisitions director from London."
Evelyn smiled warmly, but her eyes remained completely dead.
"Well, Julianne, keep a close eye on your purse around this one," Evelyn warned cryptically before walking away.
I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
"She bought it," I whispered to Silas.
"Evelyn only sees money," Silas replied, guiding me toward the edge of the ballroom.
"Go up the east staircase while I spill a drink on the security chief."
I slipped away from his side and blended into a group of wealthy guests heading toward the restrooms.
When the corridor emptied, I kicked off my high heels and sprinted silently up the carpeted stairs.
The second floor was dark and quiet, lined with historical portraits and heavy oak doors.
I found the host's private office at the end of the hall and slipped inside, locking the door behind me.
The moonlight illuminated a massive mahogany desk and a large painting of a ship on the wall.
I remembered Silas's instructions and pulled the heavy painting aside.
A digital wall safe was embedded in the plaster perfectly.
I punched in the six-digit code Silas had acquired, praying his intelligence was accurate.
The light flashed green, and the heavy metal door clicked open with a soft hiss.
I reached inside and grabbed a thick, black leather ledger.
A sudden, sharp click echoed through the dark office behind me.
I froze, the ledger heavy in my trembling hands.
The sound was the unmistakable noise of a gun hammer being pulled back.
"I have to admit, June," Graham's smooth voice drifted from the shadows.
May you like
"The green dress is a massive upgrade from that cheap white lace."
I turned slowly to see Graham standing by the locked door, aiming a silenced pistol directly at my chest.
