CHAPTER-8

LENA

My heart hammered with a combination of thrill and anxiety. This was it. The clue I needed was somewhere in this office, and I had to find it. Moving quickly but cautiously, I headed to the elevator and pressed the button for the next floor. The doors slid open, and I slipped inside, thankful for the brief privacy.

As the elevator ascended, I mentally reviewed my plan. I had memorized the office layout after studying the plans for days. Everything important was likely kept in the CEO's office, locked away in a drawer or something. I had a few minutes before the night guard began his rounds.

This idea is bad, but I don't have any other choice. I need some leverage over him before he recognizes me. The elevator doors opened with a gentle chime, and I stepped out into the dimly lit corridor. The level was unusually quiet, with the feeble glow of exit signs casting long shadows. I proceeded rapidly, scanning the doors until I found the CEO's office. Taking out a set of lockpicking tools, I began to work. The lock was more difficult than I expected, but after a few tense seconds, it clicked open.

It was past two in the morning, well beyond office hours. I had slipped in through the building's back entrance after messaging Clara that I'd be staying at a friend's place tonight.

Everything is set and perfect. I just have to find something on him. What if there's nothing here? Or I discover something that could get me killed?

I shook off the negative thoughts. I'd already risked so much to get here. I couldn't turn back now. Dressed in all black, with gloved hands and a mask on my face, I was unrecognizable. I even wore a blonde wig.

I entered the office and shut the door quietly. The room was enormous, with a huge mahogany desk in the centre. The walls were lined with bookcases, and on the desk was a sleek, black selection with no cover. I began to open the desk drawers. The top ones contained pens, papers, and other office supplies. I paused; the oxygen sucked straight out of my lungs when I heard a disturbance in the hall.

Footsteps.

I froze, listening intently. The steps echoed, then stopped. I lay anxious in the dimly lit office, out of sight among the chairs and papers. Finally, the footsteps resumed and moved away down the hallway. I exhaled and continued searching. It must have been a guard patrolling.

The bottom drawer was locked. Interesting. There was no keyhole or knob. This must be where he keeps his secrets. I looked around for anything to open it but found nothing. I gave up, thinking it operated through a digital password or fingerprints, as this was the only drawer without fingerprints that should have been visible on the desk's glossy finish.

Interesting.

I moved to another area of the office. My father had hidden a locker in his bookcase; the chances of Alarik doing the same were likely. Books and more books, not a single file in sight. There were at least two hundred books, all showing signs of being read.

Did coming into his office fail? There was nothing here for me to use, only the locked drawer. I shouldn't waste any more time and leave. The longer I stayed, the higher the risk of getting caught. I quickly checked for any evidence I might have left behind and prepared to make a dash out of the building.

Just as I believed I was safe, something caught around my leg. I slipped and barely caught myself before falling. Looking down, I discovered I had tripped on a loose piece of carpeting. But it was too late; I'd already knocked into a nearby bookcase.

The bookcase teetered precariously before collapsing with a loud crash. Books and papers scattered everywhere, and an alarm blared, shattering the silence. Panic flooded through me as I struggled to my feet, my pulse hammering furiously. Shit.

I could hear guards shouting in the distance, their footsteps pounding on the floor as they ran to the source of the ruckus. My pulse quickened, and each second felt like an eternity as I raced against the clock.

In the middle of the turmoil, I catch a glimpse of a photograph surfaced from behind the collapsed bookcase. It was a small, faded photograph of a young women, smiling brightly. The image briefly caught my eye. Without thinking, I grabbed the picture and put it in my backpack. I sprinted toward the door, the alarm still echoing in my ears.

I needed to get out, and fast. I opened the door cautiously and stepped into the hallway. Four guards were just ten feet away from me. I dashed toward the stairs; taking the lift would be dumb. My legs propelled me forward as fast as they could carry me. I had to get away before the guards caught up with me. I pant.

Retracing my steps, I made my way back to the elevator, my pulse quickening with every step. The descent seemed to take forever, but finally, I stepped out into the lobby. I hurried towards the back entrance, ducking down to avoid the guards. Thankfully, it worked, and the cold night air was a welcome relief as I slipped outside. I allowed myself a small smile of triumph as I made my way into the night. Behind me, I could hear guards exiting the building, their headlights searching the darkness. I darted along the alley, breathing in rapid gasps. I couldn't afford to stop. Not now. Not when I am this close.

I rounded the corner and disappeared into the night, my hand clutching the backpack. I smiled as I slipped into my rental car and sped off. The alarm faded into the distance.

 **********

"I want that security company shut down. They should know that any mistake with me results in being completely outcast from ever finding work," Alarik's voice resonated in the room.

We were currently in his manor office at six in the morning. He was giving instructions to legally destroy his security company. Alarik was informed as soon as the alarm went off. In just thirty minutes, I was called into the meeting. I still needed time to dispose of my attire and car. My heart was thumping with anxiety because he called me first thing in the morning. Fortunately, he wants his hired security company to go into a legal dispute for careless behaviour.

Guilt pangs in my chest. Sorry, I never wanted this to happen. I would try to go easy on you. However, if he finds out it was me, I will disappear.

"Ms. Mathews!" I glanced up.

"You have a very bad habit of ignoring me when I am in front of you, Ms. Mathews," he said, his voice barely audible.

"I am sorry, sir. I will try to be attentive. Can I ask a question, sir?"

"You are already asking," his gaze unwavering from mine.

"What did the thief steal? Did they steal anything of worth to you?" He did not answer me.

I cleared my throat. "I am just asking to make a strong case against them."

"No." I waited for him to continue.

"They did not steal anything."

Oh, that photograph is either very important, or it is so worthless that he forgot about it. He does not seem to be of the latter type.

"Alarik, you should calm down a little," Sebastian added. I almost forgot he was in the room too. Alarik didn't even glance at him.

"I will make the case for negligence," I added.

"You work too much like Alarik, Lena," Sebastian slid beside me onto the couch, too close for my comfort zone. Not only that, he draped his arm behind my back, touching my shoulder in the process.

"How about we go have breakfast at any place you like?" He passed me his signature flirty smile. He was a man my age, with ruffled brown hair and blue eyes accompanied by an angular jawline. Towering over me at five feet nine inches, he had an undeniable presence. I might have fallen for his charms if I hadn't known he was a major player in the socialite world.

I returned his smile, matching his tone. "I decline. As you can see, I'm working, Mr. Russo."

He faked a pout at me. "Don't 'Mr. Russo' me. I'm Sebastian. You can call me Seb, or whatever you prefer. I prefer baby and darling. I think even if you cursed at me, it would be a blessing."

A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips. He leaned against the sofa, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Come on, just one breakfast. You can't be that busy; it's six in the morning." I raised an eyebrow, considering the offer. As much as I hated to admit it, the idea was tempting. And I was hungry, having skipped dinner last night.

"Out! Sebastian!" Alarik's voice rolled around us. Our heads jerked in his direction. I blinked, taken aback by the sight of Alarik glaring at us with such intensity it felt like it could burn me alive.

"If you are free, Sebastian, why don't you complete the assignment I have given you?" Alarik's eyes were steely, his tone leaving no room for debate.

Sebastian straightened up, the playful glint in his eyes replaced by a more serious expression. "I was just leaving, Alarik. No need to get worked up." He shot me a quick wink, his attempt to lighten the tension failing miserably in the face of Alarik's unyielding glare.

As Sebastian reluctantly made his way to the door, it burst open, revealing a woman of about five feet three inches, panting heavily while holding the door. Her heart-shaped face was flushed, and sweat dripped from her forehead, making her brown hair bangs stick to her skin.

"I'm sorry for being late," she gasped, her voice shaky.

She glanced up at Alarik, apologizing profusely, then at me. But as soon as her eyes met Sebastian's, she froze. Her soft gaze turned cold, like ice. The air seemed to crackle with tension.

"Kitty," Sebastian said, a hint of surprise in his voice. "You're back. I didn't expect to see you here." His voice and expression changed just like hers. Her eyes were dark, looking at him, while his eyes were full of mischief with something else I couldn't pinpoint.

"My name is Katherine, Mr. Russo. I would prefer if you call me by my surname. We are not close enough for you to be calling me by pet names." Even her voice was arctic now. She could rival Alarik for his coldness. Still, she resembled a cat hissing at Sebastian.

Sebastian did not reply to her. He moved past her, whispering something in her ear. Her eyes began to burn as she glared at his back. Katherine's lips tightened into a thin line. "Clearly," she replied, her tone icy. She turned back to Alarik, ignoring Sebastian's presence. "I'm ready to start now. What's the first task?"