SOMEONE IS TARGETING ME?

Chapter 10

Riley sensed a sudden chill emanating from Atlas, though she didn't see his face. She wondered what had sparked this animosity between them. Had Caden overstepped a boundary in the past?

Atlas's low, commanding tone sent a shiver down her spine. "Stay away from Caden Reed in the future." It wasn't a warning; it was an order.

Riley's curiosity got the better of her. "Do you have a grudge against Mr. Reed?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Atlas's response was curt. "Just do as I say." He shifted his attention to the stage, where a dazzling array of lights and gemstones adorned the catwalk. The message was clear: the conversation was closed.

As the event commenced, several designers approached Riley, greeting her warmly. They recognized her as the elusive Miss Sue, renowned for her impeccable taste in jewelry.

The annual Northdesh Jewelers' Fair was now in full swing, drawing in esteemed designers, collectors, and connoisseurs from around the world. The exhibit hall's chandeliers cast a kaleidoscope of colours across the polished marble floors.

This exclusive gathering showcased rare, exquisite jewelry pieces, with auctions, exhibits, and expert evaluations and appraisals. As an evaluator, Riley played a crucial role in ensuring the authenticity and value of the pieces on display.

As she made her way through the crowded hall, Riley's trained eyes scanned the exhibits, taking in the intricate designs and craftsmanship. She stopped in front of a stunning diamond necklace, its centerpiece a rare, flawless gemstone; it's facets glinting like a thousand shiny mirrors. Riley's gaze narrowed as she examined the piece, searching for any signs of inconsistency or forgery.

Riley slipped on a pair of white gloves, her fingers flexing as she prepared to handle the jewelry. As she lifted the necklace, the cool metal of its clasp seemed to sear itself into her fingertips.

Riley's eyes narrowed, scrutinizing every detail. Her gaze darted back and forth, tracing the intricate patterns, examining the settings, and studying the gemstones. Her eyebrows furrowed, and her lips pursed, a look of intense concentration etched on her face.

Atlas stood beside her, his eyes fixed intently on her expression. His face was a mask of calm curiosity, but a hint of tension crept into his jaw, betraying a deeper interest. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice low and smooth, as he studied the look on her face.

Riley's silence was palpable, the only sound the soft hum of the exhibit hall. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she whispered, "It's a fake!" Her voice was barely audible, but the words hung in the air like a challenge.

Atlas leaned in, his eyes scanning the necklace with renewed intensity. At first glance, it seemed authentic, but the features didn't justify the astronomical price listed on its tag. A faint crease formed between his eyebrows as he sensed something amiss. "Put it back," he instructed Riley, his voice low and even.

Riley's hands moved swiftly to return the necklace to its display case, her mind racing with questions. Why had Atlas reacted so suddenly? Her eyes locked unto Atlas. What had he seen that she hadn't? She glanced up at him, but his expression revealed nothing.

"Come with me," Atlas said, his eyes already scanning the surrounding area. Riley nodded, still perplexed, and fell into step beside him.

Across the room, Jaxon's gaze flicked from Atlas to Riley, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he sensed a shift in Atlas's demeanor. Without hesitation, he slipped his hand into his pocket and retrieved his phone, his fingers moving swiftly to dial a number.

As they stepped into the cool evening air, Riley felt a sense of relief wash over her. Atlas's gaze bore into Riley's, his eyes searching for something, but his expression remained unreadable. Riley felt a shiver run down her spine as Atlas's eyes bore into hers. What was he hiding?

The sound of gentle lapping of water against the pool's edges filled the silence before he spoke. "Do you have an enemy?" he asked, his voice low and measured.

Riley's eyes widened, her mind reeling with questions. Enemy? What was he talking about? She was just a jewelry evaluator, a ghostwriter as Miss Sue. Her life was quiet, unassuming. Who could possibly consider her an enemy? The question seemed absurd, and she felt a laugh bubble up, but Atlas's serious demeanor kept her silent.

A flicker of surprise crossed Atlas's face, followed by a hint of curiosity. He sensed her genuine confusion, and his eyes narrowed. This woman, Miss Sue, or whatever she called herself, was either incredibly naive or exceptionally skilled at deception. Atlas's gut told him it was the former – she really didn't know. She didn't know she had enemies, or that her actions as Miss Sue had attracted unwanted attention.

Riley's eyes widened as the implications dawned on her. "You think someone's targeting me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The possibility sent a shiver down her spine. Was it conceivable that someone was trying to set her up, to make it seem like she was involved in the forgery?

As Jaxon's text flashed on Atlas's phone, he swiftly tucked it away and gestured for Riley to follow him. With a surge of adrenaline, Riley fell into step beside Atlas, her heart racing with every stride. Despite the uncertainty swirling within her, she felt an inexplicable pull to stay close to him, as if her safety depended on it.