THE CRIPPLED BILLIONAIRE’S DEADLY CAGE

In the service corridor behind the banquet kitchens, Clara met Dr. Morales, who slipped a miniature black USB drive into her palm.

"All the encryption keys are here," Dr. Morales said nervously. "Hurry, Clara. Raymond's guards are sealing off the upper floor."

Clara nodded and turned toward the service stairs, but before she could take three steps, two burly security guards blocked her path.

"Miss Clara," the taller guard smiled coldly, pulling a taser from his jacket. "Mr. Raymond Vance would like a private word in the boat house."

Clara backed away, her pulse racing. "Step aside! If I don't return to the ballroom, Julian will call security!"

"The boss runs security tonight," the guard sneered, lunging forward.

Clara dodged, using the silver tray on a nearby service cart to strike the second guard across the face. She sprinted through the service doors, bursting onto the grand staircase mezzanine.

"Stop her!" the guard shouted behind her.

Clara ran toward the library, clutching the flash drive against her chest. But as she reached the top landing, Raymond stepped out of the library, accompanied by another armed operative. Trapped between Raymond in front and the two guards behind, Clara had nowhere to run.