Chapter 4

The executives scrambled out of the boardroom like escaping mice.

At that exact moment, Alondra's black heels clicked against the polished marble floor of the Arnold Global ground-floor lobby.

She walked straight toward the VIP elevator bank. Two massive security guards stepped into her path, blocking the scanners.

"I'm sorry, ma'am," the taller guard said, his face blank. "The system shows your access card was deactivated thirty minutes ago."

Alondra let out a cold laugh. Gerard was throwing a tantrum. It was pathetic.

She didn't argue. She took a step back, pulled her phone from her purse, and dialed Leland's direct line.

It rang four times before Leland answered. His voice was clipped and professional. "Mr. Arnold's office."

"Tell security to let me up, Leland," Alondra said.

"Mrs. Arnold," Leland sighed, sounding annoyed. "Mr. Arnold is in a very important meeting. He is not seeing anyone today."

Alondra didn't raise her voice. She simply read an address. "Apt 4B. 1290 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn."

The line went dead silent. Leland stopped breathing.

Alondra continued, her tone freezing over. "Would you like me to describe the exact shade of the silk tie you wore that evening, Leland? Or perhaps I should just forward this address and Sarah Jenkins' name directly to Arnold Global's internal audit and compliance department. Come down here and get me. Now."

"I'll be right there." The line clicked dead.

Three minutes later, the VIP elevator doors slid open. Leland jogged out. His face was pale, and his suit jacket was unbuttoned.

He waved frantically at the security guards. "She's cleared. Let her through."

Alondra stepped into the elevator. Leland followed, keeping his distance. The doors slid shut.

Inside the small metal box, Leland stared at his shoes. He was sweating profusely.

"Keep your mouth shut about this," Alondra said, watching the floor numbers tick upward.

The elevator dinged at the top floor. Alondra stepped out first.

She walked down the long, carpeted hallway. Several secretaries looked up from their desks. Their eyes widened in shock, and they immediately started whispering to each other.

Alondra ignored them. She stopped in front of the massive, double mahogany doors of the CEO's office.

Leland rushed forward, trying to reach the intercom. "Let me announce you-"

Alondra shoved his hand away.

She grabbed the heavy brass handle. She took one deep breath, forcing down the phantom pain of crushed ribs from her past life.

She twisted the handle and shoved the doors open with all her body weight.

The doors banged against the walls.

Gerard was sitting behind his massive desk. His head snapped up. His sharp eyes locked onto her.

The initial shock on his face instantly morphed into dark, explosive anger.

Alondra stepped inside. She reached behind her back, pulled the doors shut, and twisted the deadbolt lock until it clicked.