Page 29 of Falling for the Grump Billionaire

She exhales sharply, running a hand through her hair. “Then why is he doing it? Blackmail? Money?”

“Could be either—or both,” I say. “That’s what I intend to find out.”

Eva’s gaze sharpens. “What’s your next move?”

Before I can answer, my phone buzzes on the desk, the screen lighting up with Adrian’s name. I pick up immediately, my voice curt. “Go.”

“He’s still at the waterfront,” Adrian says. “Hasn’t met anyone yet, but he’s agitated—checking his watch, pacing. Something’s about to happen.”

My jaw tightens. “Stay on him. I’m on my way.”

Adrian hesitates. “Do you want backup?”

“No. Keep your team out of sight. I’ll handle this.”

I hang up and grab my jacket, turning back to Eva. Her arms are crossed again, her expression a mixture of curiosity and determination.

“You’re going after him,” she says.

I don’t bother denying it. “Yes.”

“Then I’m coming with you.”

The words hang in the air, daring me to argue. Part of me wants to—needs to. But the look in her eyes tells me she won’t back down, and wasting time fighting her isn’t worth the effort.

“Fine,” I say, my tone sharp. “But you follow my lead.”

She grabs her notebook and bag, her movements brisk. “Let’s go.”

The drive to the waterfront is tense, the weight of unspoken thoughts filling the space between us. Eva sits in the passenger seat, her gaze fixed on the city streets blurring past the window. She doesn’t ask questions, and I don’t offer answers. There’s no time for second-guessing, no room for doubt.

By the time we reach the docks, the late-afternoon light has faded into an overcast dusk. The air is heavy with the scent of saltwater and diesel, the distant hum of cargo ships echoingacross the bay. I park a block away, killing the engine and turning to Eva.

“Stay close,” I say, my voice low. “This isn’t a game.”

She meets my gaze, her expression unyielding. “I know.”

We move quickly, keeping to the shadows as we navigate the maze of shipping containers and warehouses. Adrian’s voice crackles through my earpiece, guiding us to the second warehouse in Container Row B. The loading bay door is partially open, a faint light spilling out onto the cracked pavement.

“He’s still inside,” Adrian says. “But I’m picking up movement on the perimeter—another player might be in the mix.”

I glance at Eva, motioning for her to stay behind me. Her lips press into a thin line, but she nods, falling into step a few paces back.

Inside the warehouse, the air is thick with tension. The sound of Conrad’s pacing echoes faintly, accompanied by the occasional rustle of paper. He’s hunched over a folding table in the center of the room, a laptop and a stack of files spread out before him. His agitation is palpable, his movements quick and jerky.

“Conrad,” I call out, my voice cutting through the stillness.

He freezes, his head snapping up. His eyes widen when he sees me, fear flickering across his face. “Dominic,” he says, his voice shaking. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” I reply, stepping closer. “But I already know the answer.”

His grip tightens on the edge of the table, his knuckles white. “It’s not what you think.”

“No?” I take another step forward, my tone cold. “Then why don’t you tell me exactly what it is? Why you’ve been sabotaging my company from the inside?”

He shakes his head, his jaw clenching. “You don’t understand. I didn’t have a choice.”

“There’s always a choice,” I snap, my patience fraying. “And you made yours. Now you’re going to tell me everything—who’s behind this, what they want, and why you’re involved.”

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