Page 73 of Falling for the Grump Billionaire

“What about security?” Eva asks, scanning the blueprints.

“Armed guards,” Adrian replies. “Minimal on the lower levels, but it ramps up the closer you get to the fourth floor. Surveillance on every entrance and corridor.”

“We’ll need a distraction,” I say, my mind already working through the logistics.

Adrian hums in agreement. “We’ll create one. My team can trigger a power fluctuation—just enough to disrupt their security system for a few minutes. It’ll give you an opening, but you’ll need to move fast.”

“Fast is all I know,” I reply.

The Infiltration

The Berlin hub looms in the distance, its sleek glass façade reflecting the city lights. From the outside, it looks like any other corporate office, but I know better.

Eva adjusts the comm in her ear, her gaze steady as we approach the side entrance. Adrian’s voice crackles through the line. “The power surge will hit in three... two... one.”

The lights flicker, and a faint hum vibrates through the air as the building’s systems stutter. It’s subtle—enough to buy us time without raising immediate alarms.

“Go,” I say, pulling open the door.

We move quickly, the quiet hum of the building amplifying every sound. Eva stays close, her movements precise as we navigate the maze of hallways.

The first two floors are deserted, but as we approach the stairwell leading to the fourth floor, I catch the faint echo of voices.

“Guards,” I whisper, holding up a hand to stop Eva.

She nods, her eyes scanning the hallway. “How many?”

I listen carefully, my senses honed. “Two, maybe three.”

Adrian’s voice cuts in. “You’ve got a clear path to the server room if you can bypass them. They haven’t spotted you yet.”

I glance at Eva. “Stay here. I’ll handle it.”

Before she can argue, I slip into the shadows, my movements silent as I approach the guards.

The Breach

Taking down the guards is quick, precise. I’ve done this before—too many times to count—but this time, the stakes feel different.

When I return to Eva, her expression is a mix of relief and determination. “Let’s move,” she says.

We reach the server room without further resistance, the faint glow of monitors casting an eerie light across the space. Adrian’s voice crackles through the comm. “Plug in the drive I gave you. I’ll handle the rest.”

Eva moves to the server, her fingers deft as she inserts the drive. “It’s in,” she says.

“Good,” Adrian replies. “It’ll take a few minutes to extract the data. Hold your position.”

The minutes stretch like hours, the silence around us feeling heavier with each passing second. I keep my focus on the door, my gun steady in my hand.

“Almost there,” Adrian says. “Just a little longer—”

The sound of footsteps interrupts him, and my grip tightens on the gun.

“They’re coming,” I say, moving to block the door.

The Fight

The first guard bursts in, his weapon raised. I fire before he has a chance to react, the shot echoing through the room. Eva ducks behind the server, her hands flying to the comm in her ear.

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