Page 18 of The Next Door Billionaire's Deception

“Do you see that blue Volvo?”

“Yes.” My voice comes out in a whimper.

“It’s been following you since you turned off the freeway. It likely has been following you since you left home.”

In my urgency, I didn’t even notice the car. My heart sinks to the bottom of my stomach. What if my key hadn’t been stolen? What if he just broke into my room to give the illusion of stealing or replacing the keys so I could hurry to check if the safe had not been broken into and lead them right to the safe?

It’s a trap.

“Do you understand now?”

“I do. Are you here?”

“Almost. Just go inside the restaurant and order a dish for two. Try not to stand out too much.”

“All right.”

I turn off the engine and walk into the restaurant on shaky limbs. It’s a fast-food restaurant with a moderate crowd. I look out of place, the only one who’s by myself. I ignore the stares and wait for my turn to order.

The door opens behind me, and a man walks into the restaurant. He spots me and begins walking to me with a smile.

“Melissa.”

“Chad?”

“Yeah. Don’t you remember me?”

“You’re here early.”

“Yeah. I wasn’t that far away. Have you ordered?”

“No, not my turn yet. I thought I would have to sit by a table all by myself for a while. Why’d you even choose a family restaurant?”

“It was the closest to both of us. Come on, let’s order.”

We’re acting like two very normal people meeting in a restaurant for a chat. The pretend normalcy calms my racing heart a little, and when I glance out of the restaurant, the blue Volvo’s gone.

We make our order and walk to a booth. Our food is supposed to take ten minutes. Does Chad want to talk that long?

“Miss Durham, how are you finding your move?”

“I’m settling in well. My neighbor’s a little interesting, though.”

“Interesting how?”

I chew on my lip, deliberating. What do I tell him – that I caught my neighbor snooping around my apartment? I dismiss the thought. It has nothing to do with why we’re here.

“We’re glad. I’ll inform the higher-ups of this development. How far along are you with the project?”

“It’s not exactly as easy as the snap of a finger. I’m sending regular updates on the progress, aren’t I?”

“Some of the higher-ups were concerned. That’s all. If you do need help, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’ll do my best as I’ve done today. And, be careful next time.”

I nod. “I will. Thank you.”

“Order for Chad! Please come pick up your order!” the server announces.

We glance at each other, and he stands up.

---