Page 38 of The Next Door Billionaire's Deception

I stick out a hand, waving in apology, before driving off. Knowing it’s pointless to get riled up over the past, I focus on getting to work as fast as possible, casting all thoughts of Richard from my mind.

Pulling into Tillary street, I heave a sigh of relief when the steel-glass exterior of the skyscraper serving as Emerald Inc.’s headquarters comes into view. After parking, I walk into the building, after checks from security personnel and the receptionist. As the elevator opens, there’s no one inside. Good.

The elevator ride to the fifth floor is quiet. I close my eyes, and Richard’s lips brush across mine once more…

Ting!

The elevator bell rings and the doors slide open, admitting me to my office floor. Releasing a deep breath, I walk out.

I’m handed a letter by my blonde female secretary, whose office is outside mine. In this digital day and age, with emails existing, who still uses letters to pass messages?

The letter is blank. From previous walkthroughs, there’s one way to reveal a message concealed in blank paper.

I open a desk drawer. There’s an ointment there. I rub a little on the paper. Sure enough, there’s a message.

Board member and director of accounts, Gerard Haynes. Investigate.

I fold the paper, but it falls on my lap. As I retrieve it, my mind goes back once more.

If I needed any confirmation before Friday that Richard wanted me as bad as I wanted him – no, Iwanthim, I got it that day.

I retrieve the paper, then toss it into my bag. I’ll discard it properly.

Walking out of my office, I make my way to the finance department. I wave away employees in the department whom I pass by. Reaching my destination, I knock at the door. A nameplate with a bold inscription is on it. Gerard Haynes.

There’s no answer, so I knock once more. After three more knocks without an answer, I enter. The office is spacious and organized, but I’m not here for sightseeing. I head for his cabinet, looking for anything that might be suspicious.

I’m still searching when my eyes catch something. A false bottom in one of his compartments. I lift the lid and find a folder. The contents make me clench my fists.

My signature is being used to make illegal transfers. If anything goes wrong for them, I’d be dragged along.

Something else comes into sight. A flash drive.

Putting the folders back in place, I place them back in the folder, then close the lid, and place the normal files and journals in, before shutting the drawer, then placing the drive in my bag.

I open the door at a slight angle, peeking to see if anyone is passing by. When I’m sure I’m clear, I stride out of the office and into the hallway.

“Miss Durham.”

A chill runs down my spine. I stop and turn. Haynes.

“Mr. Ha–Haynes! Good morning.” I stretch out my hand.

My heart is racing, but I remain composed.

The slim, tall man with white hair takes the hand. “Good morning, Miss Durham. Fancy seeing you here.”

“Ah, yes.” I rub my sweaty hands together. “Well, I just thought I’d check up on how things are going with our finances.”

He regards me with cold, grey eyes. “You could have just asked your secretary to bring in a report.”

This man isn’t letting me off.

I remain upright, looking him in the eye. “I don’t think it’s smart adding paperwork to what’s already on the ground. I thought to make a quick check to save me some precious time, and I did.”

“And is everything to your satisfaction?”

“Certainly, Mr. Haynes. It’s been a pleasure.”

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