Page 34 of The Next Door Billionaire's Deception

“No, of course not. I’m just trying to view every positive option.”

“Sure thing, sir. Except, I did more digging. On Saturday, she met with the board of directors, and after the meeting, another transaction was made. This time, it was two million dollars to a separate account. Again, the signatory was Melissa. Coincidence?”

I clench my fists. Last Saturday she left suddenly without any explanation. If Anna’s information is correct, then it was to meet the board.

It's too much information to just ignore. Is Melissa really involved in their laundering deals?

“How did you get this information?”

“Good question. The account officer is a friend.”

All this can mean either of two things. Melissa, based on previous information, is being coerced to sign documents, the contents of which she’s unaware. The second and the more glaring option is that she’s not as powerless as I think and actually has a hand in the company’s underground operations.

“Thank you very much, Anna. I’ll see what I can do with this.”

“You’re welcome, boss. What would you do without your loyal stooge?”

Not much.

Anna shuts her laptop. “That’s by the way, sir. You do remember the fundraising event four days from now, don’t you?”

“Of course I do, Anna. What’s your point?”

“It’s just a reminder. We wouldn’t want a guest of honor to miss the party. Do you have someone you’ll be escorting?”

My eyes widen. It skipped my mind.

“Thank you for your reminder, Anna. And for everything else. I’m paying you, but still, I’m grateful. You’re doing a good job.”

“You’re paying me sir, but you’re welcome.”

It’s Friday night, and I’m waiting just beside the limousine parked just outside of my Brooklyn Heights apartment. I don’t wait long before she arrives.

Wearing a blue, stylish dress diagonally cut across to her cleavage, which hugs her figure to her hip, then split down her legs, with a shawl draped over her shoulders, Melissa is just …stunning. I struggle to inhale air.

“Shall we?” she says, stretching her hand out to me.

I take her hand. “She was a Phantom of delight when at first she gleamed upon my sight.”

“Flattery, Richard. Shakespeare?”

“Wordsworth. But honestly, poetry doesn’t do your beauty tonight justice.”

I give a curt nod to the driver and lead her to our evening ride with a hand on the small of her back. The driver opens the door when we’re close to the limo. She enters first and I follow suit, settling close to her, becoming aware of how good she smells. In a daring move, I take her hand and run my fingers over them. She makes no effort to pull away.

“Nice limo. I’m impressed.”

“Rented finery, I’m afraid. Worth it tonight though.”

It’s by chance Melissa is my partner tonight. Three days ago, she was shopping in a supermarket, which I was also shopping in by chance when we met. Getting back to the apartment, I dropped the question on my mind all evening; would she like to attend a party with me? It took a little convincing to make her agree.

Three days after and I’m questioning the wisdom behind inviting her. What was I thinking? No. I’m not wrong, wanting to get close to her. It’s the best way to find out something, if anything.

The car starts moving.

I’m at a loss for words. Here is a gorgeous woman, just inches from me, in this wide limousine.

“Nice tuxedo.”

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