Page 39 of The Next Door Billionaire's Deception

I turn to walk away, putting my hand on my chest when I’m far enough.

In my office, I plug the drive into my laptop. A series of files, each with different dates and numberings, pop up. Transactions.

Without delay, I call agent Chad.

“Miss Durham. Did you get my message?”

I nod, absent-minded.

“Did you?” Chad asks again.

“Ah, yes! Yeah. Sorry about that. I’m a little distracted.”

“Is everything alright, Miss Durham? Do you need backup? Some help?”

I sigh. “Yes, I’m fine.”

“Good to hear. Now, did you find anything?”

“I did. A flash drive.”

“Hmm. And are you in possession of the drive at this moment?”

“Um, yeah, sure. What do I do with it?”

A pause. “Pass it to your secretary. As you are aware, she’s with us. Do not pass it to her carelessly, however. Eyes are watching.”

A short beep signifies the call’s end.

I’m about to put the phone down when I receive an iMessage from someone I’ve not talked to in a long while. My brother, Alex.

It's me, Alex. I know things are a bit weird between us. Can I call?

Ever since my aunt, Hannah, died about four years ago from cancer, Alex has been nonexistent in my daily life.

The reason isn’t farfetched.

We were the only family all three of us had.

That was until Alex had problems with Aunt Hannah and left, for his ‘freedom’. I was still close to our aunt, and then she got diagnosed with cancer.

Ever since then, we’ve been in a feud with no end. I love Alex, but why then did he leave? Now, after four years, he’s messaging me again

Why? Now you’ve decided you want in again? And how did you get my number?

I put the phone down, my ire rising. A ping means he’s replied.

Look, I know you most likely don’t want to talk to me right now, but please, can I call you later? In the evening, maybe?

Oh, Alex. I don’t hate him. I never have.

Releasing a long breath, I type a reply.

8 pm.

“Um, evening, Melissa.”

“Evening, Richard.”

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