Page 79 of The Next Door Billionaire's Deception

“I can’t.”

Chad closes his book and gets on his feet. “Walk with me.”

We walk through the park in silence, and I gaze past the playgrounds and the trees. We’re almost at an exit when he stops.

“I understand you want to keep the identity of this person anonymous. But with that, we can’t help you. Did you bring the evidence?”

I hand him a candy wrap. There's no candy inside, however – just a drive.

“Your contribution is appreciated, Mr. Burnes. And the woman in question?”

This is for Melissa’s safety. I have to tell Chad something.

“On one condition.”

“Let me hear it. If it’s possible, I’ll work on it.”

“Take her off the radar. I don’t care how. Just make sure she’s not around when all this goes down.”

“That’ll be tough, more so if she’s a member of the management.”

“I don’t care about that. If it’s the finances you need, you’ll get them. If you can fulfill this condition, you have mine and Vibrant Corp’s unconditional support for life.”

“Hmm. She must be someone important to you. Alright, if you insist. Now, can you tell me something? Anything?”

“She’s Emerald’s CEO.”

Chapter 24

Melissa

“AgentChad.”Isettleon the low Victorian-style couch facing a large painting, on which Chad’s already sitting, eyes front.

“I’m glad you could come on such short notice, Miss Durham. We have a lot to talk about.”

It's a bright Saturday morning, and I’m in an art exhibition with the FBI agent assigned to the investigation of corruption within my company. This had better be good.

Earlier this morning, Celine paid me a surprise visit while I was in my yoga session, and we got down to making some apple pie. It’s the first time since my time with Richard that I’ve had a wholesome cooking experience with someone. It was during our cooking and chatting that Chad called, saying he had something on Lamar and the board.

“I agree. Why meet at an art exhibition, though?”

He keeps his focus on the painting in front. “Look around.”

I scan our surroundings. There are very few people apart from us in this exhibit, and everyone else is admiring a painting here and a sculpture there.

“This is the best place we can talk without interruptions. And the things I’m about to tell you will need your full attention. Can I get it?”

I shift my gaze to the painting as well. It’s a large landscape canvas depicting a medieval scene; a man is being hanged, flanked by two soldiers, a priest, and a government official, with a crowd of onlookers in the foreground, while another government official rushes to the scene on horseback, waving an arm.

“You have my full attention, agent Chad.”

“Good. How’s the takeover by Vibrant Corp going? What’s the progress?”

All through the week, I tried to convince the board of directors not to merge with Vibrant Corp. My leadership was questioned, and I was almost voted out. Richard’s takeover strategy is so flawless even corrupt businessmen involved in embezzlement fell for it.

“It’s almost done. Soon, Emerald, as an entity in its own right, will cease to exist. It’ll be Emerald-Vibrant or whatever they decide to name it.” Those words are like bile in my mouth.

“I see. Now, let’s move to the reason I called you here without further delay.”

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