Page 71 of Vicious Seduction

“Good, and the tax evasion charges will crumble his ability to take on more debt or secure investors. After that, anything remotely connected to the man will shrivel and die.” I never could have taken down every individual piece of his empire, but with enough damage to the foundation, the rest would crumble. “Thanks for all your help with this.”

“Anytime,” Conner said readily. “And you keep your ear to the ground. Assholes like Wellington don’t go down without a fight.”

“Always.”

I ended the call just as I reached my car. I needed to track down Lina. I wasn’t sure where to look, but if all else failed, I knew where she’d be come seven o’clock.

CHAPTER 37

LINA

“I’m sorry,ma’am. Sundays are dedicated for certain members only.” A young brunette with wide eyes crossed the lobby toward me as soon as I stepped off the elevator on the main floor where Olympus gatherings were held.

“Yes, I’m actually here for a scheduled meeting. I’m a bit early, so I’m happy to wait.”

“I suppose you can have a seat over there.” She motioned toward a set of club chairs.

I smiled and tilted my head conspiratorially. “If you’re worried I might spoil the mood, I’d be happy to wait in an office.”

An all-access pass to an office would havebeen incredible, but it was too much to hope for. The girl shook her head. “No, this is fine. Please, have a seat.”

I gave a tight smile and did as she instructed. The girl scurried back to her hostess station. Nervous energy buzzed in my veins, demanding I bounce my leg or chew my nails, but I steadfastly refused. The appearance of unshakable confidence would be necessary if I would get anywhere without Oran present. He was the member, after all. Whoever came to meet with us would be hesitant to continue when I informed them that Oran had been held up at work. I had to weasel out as much information as possible, and that would require a show of bullheaded entitlement.

A full fifteen minutes passed before a man exited the elevator and made a beeline toward me. Pious irritation wafted off him like bad cologne.

I stood at his approach and smiled.

“Ms. Schultze, Mitch Phillips,” he offered in a curt introduction. “Did yourfiancénot inform you that the meeting was no longer necessary?”

All my practiced confidence scattered to the sky like a cluster of startled pigeons. “I … No, I suppose my phone must have been on silent. What’s happened?” How did Oran know about the meeting? They must have called him, and he’d known I was up to something, so he canceled the meeting. He’d told me before in no uncertain terms he didn’t want me near the club. This was him holding true to his word.

Anger reared up inside me like a vicious cobra, neck spread wide and tongue hissing in warning.

Mitch glanced at his watch dismissively, oblivious to my growing wrath. “Perhaps you two should keep in better contact, then Mr. Byrne might have told you he is no longer a member at Olympus and saved you the trip over.” He pinnedme with an icy stare, dripping with arrogance and superiority.

Not a member? Oran had canceled his membership just to keep me away from the club. My only avenue for information, and he’d taken it from me. Without access to the club, I had nothing.

“Then I’d like to apply for my own membership,” I shot back at him.

“That won’t be possible.”

“Who are you to tell me what’s possible?” My eyes narrowed to angry slits. “You aren’t the sole decision-maker for this club. My parents are members, you know.”

“I am well aware of who you are, Ms.Schultze, and I think it’s time you left the building.”

His snide use of my biological father’s name enraged me beyond comprehension.

I was no longer Lina.

I was a violent ball of vengeful energy ready to kick or bite or claw my way through the mounting army of enemies waging war against me.

I snatched Mitch’s shirt into my fists, clutching so tightly my knuckles ached. “This isn’t over. You think you’re so fucking superior, but you’re not. I’ll burn this whole goddamn club to the ground if that’s what it takes to get what I want.”

Mitch yanked at my wrists to pull free of me, only I was a thing possessed and wouldn’t release him.

“What in God’s name is wrong with you?”

“Should I call the authorities, sir?” the young hostess called over to us just as the elevator doors opened, and Oran charged into the room.

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