Page 60 of Bar Down

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Chapter Fifteen

Stephanie

Stephanie took another small sip of her wine, careful to maintain the appearance of casual enjoyment while her nerves screamed for something stronger. The executive suite buzzed with conversation, the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a premium view of the ice below. First period was winding down, and so far, everything was proceeding according to plan.

Almost too perfectly, which made her suspicious.

Reed stood near the bar, laptop bag resting against the couch where he'd carelessly tossed it when they'd arrived. He hadn't acknowledged her presence beyond a curt nod when she'd entered with Westfield. Better that way. The less interaction, the higher chance she could execute their plan without raising his suspicions.

"Excellent vintage," Westfield commented, appearing at her elbow with his own glass. "Pairs nicely with a home victory, wouldn't you say?"

"Always," Stephanie replied, summoning her professional smile. "Though Columbus is putting up quite a fight."

"Nothing our boys can't handle." He glanced toward the ice. "Your boy Adeyemi is having quite a game. Shutdown defense as usual."

Her boy. The phrase sent an unwelcome flush to her cheeks, which she disguised by taking another sip. "Marcus is consistently reliable in the defensive zone."

"Indeed. It's what makes him so valuable to the organization." Westfield's gaze lingered on her face, as if searching for a reaction. "Dependable. Steady. That's rare in this business."

Before Stephanie could respond, a roar erupted from the crowd below. All eyes in the suite turned toward the ice, where a scuffle was breaking out near the Columbus net.

"What the hell?" Reed moved toward the window, frowning.

Westfield joined him, leaning forward with interest. "Looks like Chenofski's getting into it with Dietrich."

Stephanie's pulse quickened. This was it—the distraction they needed on the ice to set up the executive suite distraction. With everyone's attention focused on the developing fight, she casually drifted toward the couch, positioning herself between the men and Reed's laptop bag.

"Chenofski? Really?" Reed sounded incredulous, his back to her. "Isn't he the anxiety case?"

"Usually," Westfield confirmed, both men completely absorbed in the action unfolding below.

With a subtle movement, Stephanie nudged the laptop bag with her foot, sliding it closer to the suite door. Everyone's attention remained fixed on the glass as Chenny threw a shocking uppercut that connected with Dietrich's face.

"Holy shit," one of the corporate sponsors exclaimed. "Kid's got a right hook!"

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