Page 60 of The Next Door Billionaire's Deception

“Good. We have some info about a lead on your apartment's burglary.”

“Really? Who were they working for?”

“We believe it was the work of John Lamar. One of the two burglars was apprehended late yesterday by agents. We’re still working on gathering evidence. But until we can find something solid enough to nail him, please take caution.”

“I’ll try. What about the documents?”

“We didn’t find any trace of the documents. It’s safe to assume they're already in Mr. Lamar’s possession. It’s only a matter of time before he begins the processing. With the time it takes to process the transition of a company, I’d say we have just over a month before the company goes private.”

I have just a month to expose the corrupt board and redeem my company from the clutches of the underworld.

A thought hits me. “What about the drive? Doesn’t it contain evidence we can use to incriminate the board?”

“I’m sorry, Miss Durham. The drive contained a lot ofvaluableinformation on the dealings that’s been taking place under the carpet. But the board was smart enough not to include any of their details. All the evidence links not to Lamar or the board but to your company.”

Damn it! Why can’t I just bring those criminals to justice once and for all? Why does it have to be so complex?

“Alright. Thanks, Chad. I’ll do my best from here.”

“Good to hear. We’ll keep an eye on the board and its activities. At one time or the other, they’ll slip, and that’s going to be our chance to swoop in. Bye, for now, Miss Durham.”

Agent Chad’s deep voice gives way to the slow, calming voice of Norah Jones, as my music resumes from the point it stopped when he called. Releasing a deep breath, I resume typing, my fingers rattling on the keyboard.

Chad is right. We don’t have long before Lamar makes the company his to control. It isn’t hard to guess his first step: get rid of me, once and for all. At worst, that means my life will be in danger.

That cannot happen.

I’m just about done with the spreadsheet I’m working on when the music from my AirPods stops again. Another call. One glance at my screen and my lips curve into a smile. Richard.

“Melissa.”

His voice puts me at ease at once, serenading my frayed nerves.

“Richard! Busy Monday, yeah?”

His chuckle is lively. “Yeah. I just wanted to hear your voice again. I wish I could escape it all, you know? I wish I had you in my arms now.”

Yes. Oh, yes.“Oh well. Duty calls.”

“Yeah. One of these days though, I consider quitting altogether. Spend my days traveling the world. Or raise a family.”

Richard’s last statement makes me pause. As a career woman, I never really thought much of family, especially after Nathan. True, my rise to the top has been fulfilling, but settling down rarely occurred to me all these years. Now that Richard mentions it, it has me thinking.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a partner to spend my life with and children to raise and care for?

“Are you still there, Melissa?”

“Yes, Richard. I was just thinking about what you said.”

“I want to see you. It’s been three days since I last touched you, and I’m going nuts already.”

“You sex fiend. It’s been two days, not three. And don’t you have better things to do?” I ask, cracking up.

“Having you is the best thingtodo, Melissa. Can we meet? Tomorrow, 07:00 p.m.?”

I’m about to answer, but a knock on my door distracts me. My assistant enters after another knock.

“I gotta go. I’ll call you back later.”

---