Chapter 6 6

"A security review," Adrien announced.

He stood in the center of the security office, arms crossed. Ivy sat on a sterile metal chair, looking nervous. She stood by the counter, holding a clipboard, playing the part of the concerned ward.

"Is this necessary?" Ivy asked, laughing nervously. "I just got turned around in the dark."

"Protocol," Adrien said. "Clarice, confirm her statement."

She stepped forward. "Ms. Bates, you stated you delivered a press release. What was the headline?"

Ivy glared at her. "You think I memorize these things?"

"I have a job to do. As the Foundation's public face, I review all major press releases."

She reluctantly fumbled for an answer. "Something about... a new era of partnership." Her skin was flawless. No marks. No bruises. And definitely no bite on her neck.

She checked her vitals. Normal.

"Well?" Adrien asked from behind the screen.

"The final draft headline was 'Sargent Corp Finalizes Hostile Takeover of Chen Industries,'" she said loudly. "A significant difference. And there's no record of her keycard accessing the study's floor last night."

She looked at Ivy. "Mr. Sargent was in a volatile mood last night. It's impossible he would have simply let you walk away without comment."

Ivy's face crumbled. "He... he told me to get out! That's why! But I was there!"

Adrien ripped the curtain back. "You're lying. Get out of my house. Now."

"Adrien, please!" Ivy wailed as Cole grabbed her arm. "I just wanted to help!"

They dragged her out. Her screams faded down the hallway.

Adrien turned to her. The air in the room grew heavy.

"So," he said, stepping closer. "It wasn't her. Then who?"

"I'm a resident, Mr. Sargent. Not a detective." She turned to stack her papers, her heart pounding against her ribs.

The door opened again. Cole walked in. He was holding a small plastic evidence bag.

"Sir," Cole said. "Found this under your desk. The cleaners missed it."

Adrien took the bag. Inside was a small, white pearl button.

He looked at it. Then he looked at her.

His eyes dropped to her chest. She was wearing the sweater. But he remembered.

"The pajamas," he said. "The blue silk ones."

Her blood ran cold.

"Cole," Adrien said, never taking his eyes off her. "Search her room. Find the blue pajamas."

"You can't," she said, backing away. "That's an invasion of privacy."

"I own you," Adrien snarled. "Go."

Ten minutes later, Cole returned. He held up the navy top. The collar was torn. The top button was missing.

Adrien took the shirt. He held the bagged button up to the remaining ones. A perfect match.

He looked at her, and the confusion in his eyes vanished, replaced by a cold, hard rage.

"It was you," he whispered.

"Adrien, listen-"

"You planned this," he accused, advancing on her. "You knew I was on edge. You knew I was vulnerable. You orchestrated this to get leverage. To blackmail me."

"No! It was an accident! I was trying to escape!"

"Liar!" He threw the shirt at her face. "You're just like the rest of them. A parasite with a pretty face."