Page 19 of The Next Door Billionaire's Deception

“I’ll be right back. Please, put your mind at ease, Miss Durham. You’re safe here.”

He walks off to collect the order while I stay seated. I look around the restaurant again. A family of four is seated at the table in the far corner, laughing and chatting. The son tugs at his sister’s hair. The sight triggers a rush of memories – memories of simpler, easier times.

Chad soon returns with our order.

“I hope you like cheeseburgers, Miss Durham.”

“I’m not a fan of eating at cheap restaurants, Agent Chad.”

“Please, call me Chad. It’s a real honor to meet you, Miss Durham.”

“Why were you in such a hurry?”

“Someone broke into my room. Two people.”

“Were you able to recognize these two people?”

“One of them is my neighbor, but the other somehow knew I had security cameras installed in my home. He wore a cap to conceal his face and went straight for my bedside drawer, where I keep the keys to the safe. I was driving to the safe when you called me.”

“Hmm, that’s a bit suspicious. It’s a good thing I called when I did, or you would’ve given up the location of the safe. For now, we’ll send agents to secure the safe. Agents have also been dispatched to dispose of the person following you. I’ll send you more information as it’s been updated.”

“Yes, thank you. I…”

My phone rings again. This time, it’s Celine. She’s already discovered that I’m not in the apartment. I answer the call after the third ring.

“Lissa? Where are you?”

“I’m …with a friend.”

“A friend? Do I know this person?”

“No, but I’ll be back soon.”

“Is this work-related? You never go out unprompted like this.”

“Yes. It was urgent, so I had to leave. Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon. I’ll get dinner on my way. Are you in the mood for some cheeseburger tonight?”

Chapter 7

Richard

“Didyoufindanything?”

“No, nothing. I didn’t get a good look since she caught me the first time.”

“How did that happen?”

“She came into her room and found me in her closet. I gave a lame excuse, but she didn’t push further. It’s too risky to go back in there. It’s not like I’m a professional spy or anything.”

“I’m surprised you even did anything. I thought you left

the situation to us to handle. Don’t you trust us?”

“She invited me to her apartment. I took the chance I got.”

“Do you want to get arrested for breaking and entering? That’ll be an awful way to make your debut into the public as Richard Burnes.”

“Okay, okay, I get it. You can stop telling me off now. I’m your boss, you know.”

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