The Trap Door
"I don't think so," Clara said, stepping closer, her voice a low, lethal whisper. "I have Eleanor’s ledger, Thomas. I have the bank accounts in the Cayman Islands that received the monthly kickbacks from the concrete suppliers. I know about the shell company, Aegis Holdings."
Sterling’s hand tightened around his wine glass until his knuckles turned white. He didn't look around for security; he knew a scene would destroy his political career faster than any rumor. "You're Clara Linwood. The girl who ruined the Vances."
"I didn't ruin them. The truth did," Clara said. "And tonight, it’s your turn."
"You think you're smart, Clara?" Sterling whispered, his voice dripping with venom. "If that data goes public, the state police will have you in a cell before the press can even print the headline. I control the narrative here."
May you like
"I know," Clara said. She smiled, a soft, genuinely happy expression that caught him entirely off guard. "That’s why I didn't send it to the press. I sent it to the federal election commission, the FBI, and every single one of your political opponents' campaigns twenty minutes ago. By the time your security guards reach me, your career will be dead."
Sterling gasped, reaching for his pocket, but Clara had already turned away, disappearing into the crowd of dancing guests.
