Billionaire Secret Redemption

In the uncomfortable chair across from Detective Marcus Grant, my employer, I sat rigidly. His fingers hammering on his desk, his black gaze staring into mine. This meeting gave me a horrible feeling.

Marcus continued, "Anita, I have an assignment for you," in a commanding tone. "You're going undercover."

My stomach grew constricted. Undercover? That may imply anything. "What's the case?"

"Jerry Alfred."

My heart thumped. The famous billionaire. Nothing had ever stuck to him, despite rumours that he had close ties to the underground.

Marcus went on, "We suspect he's involved in illegal shipments," "Your job is to get close, find evidence, and report back."

"Close?" I scowled. "You want me to pose as his girlfriend or something?"

Marcus grinned. "He's not into you. You'll work in his mansion as a maid.

I tightened my jaw. A housekeeper? This humiliated me. "Sir, I"

"Don't argue, Pierce. Do you wish to establish yourself in this field? Perform your duties.

I balled my hands into fists. There was nothing I could do. I wouldn't receive another significant case if I declined.

"Fine," I whispered. "When do I start?"

"Tomorrow morning. Don't make a mistake, pack light, and remain alert."

I got to Jerry Alfred's estate early the following morning. When my cab came to a stop outside the imposing iron gates, a huge, contemporary mansion emerged. There are slick black designs, glass walls, and an obvious sense of excessive affluence.

I gripped my little bag tighter. It's showtime.

A butler opened the door for me. He complained, "Stay out of trouble and do your job," and then vanished.

The location was breathtaking. Marble flooring, high ceilings, and chandeliers that most likely cost ten times my income. But when I saw him, my enthusiasm was short-lived.

Alfred Jerry.

With his hands in his pockets, he stood close to the floor-to-ceiling windows and looked at the city skyline. I was surprised by his height, strong shoulders, black suit, and slightly ruffled dark hair. Sharp angles dominated his face, with piercing green eyes, a powerful jaw, and high cheekbones.

I took a deep breath. He had the appearance of a man with everything at his feet. He was aware of it.

He hardly glanced at me as he questioned, "Who's the new one?"

"Anita, sir," I said, maintaining a calm tone.

His eyes darted to me, looking at me as if I were a microscopic insect. Then he turned away without saying another word.

Dismissed. As simple as that.

I tightened my hands and bit the inside of my cheek. I had underestimated how difficult this would be.

I walked throughout the mansion later that night, dusting shelves and acting as though I didn't exist. But I listened.

I heard Jerry's voice as I got closer to his study.

Sharply, "The shipment has to arrive on time," he stated. "No mistakes."

My heart leaped. Delivery?

I heard a deep male voice respond, but I was unable to understand what it was saying. With my back against the wall, I drew closer.

"If this deal falls apart, we're both in trouble," Jerry added in a chilly tone. "Excuses are not what I desire. Take care of it.

The discussion came to an end. There were footsteps near the door. Turning swiftly, I dusted a nearby table as if I had been there the entire time.

Jerry emerged as the door swung open. Before he passed by, his gaze briefly shifted to mine. He had no suspicions.

Or so I believed.

I had a burning curiosity. I had to examine what that study contained.

I returned stealthily later that evening when the mansion was silent. I pulled the door open cautiously, my heart racing. Shelves were stocked with pricey artefacts and books, and the space was softly illuminated. Papers littered his desk.

I entered and looked around for anything odd. A file with the designation Confidential caught my attention. I grabbed it-

A powerful hand gripped my wrist.

As I was whirled around and smashed into the desk, I gasped and felt my breath catch.

Jerry.

His emerald eyes were dark and unreadable, and his grip was solid. His voice was dangerously low as he asked, "Who are you and what the hell are you doing in my house?"

My throat became parched. His body pinned me to the desk, his face inches from mine.

Anita, think. Think quickly.

I took a trembling breath. "I-I got lost."

He squinted his eyes. "Misplaced? in my study?"

I took a deep breath. He didn't think I was real.

There was strain in the silence that hung between us. I could sense the intensity of his gaze and the heat of his body. My ears throbbed with my heartbeat.

Then he let go of me as abruptly as he had grabbed me.

"Get out," he said. "And stay out."

I didn't require two reminders. With my heart thumping my ribs, I ran for the door.

I let out a shaky breath as I entered the hallway.

It was obvious.

Jerry Alfred posed a threat. I was also in over my head.

What was contained in that file? Did Jerry commit crimes, or was there more to him than first appeared? But above all, did he suspect me?