Chapter 8: The Shadow Approaches**
Preparations for the Vance Annual Shareholder Gala turned the mansion into a hive of activity. Florists, caterers, and security contractors swarmed the estate grounds.
Raymond had hired an independent private security team—mercenaries answering only to him. Julian monitored their radio frequencies from his underground server, realizing Raymond was preparing for more than just a business coup.
"He's planning to isolate me during the gala," Julian observed, analyzing the floor plan. "They intend to force my biometric signature in the library while the guests are distracted by the orchestra, then announce my sudden retirement due to deteriorating health."
"What about Dr. Morales?" Clara asked, worry creasing her brow.
"She’s arriving disguised as one of the catering supervisors," Julian explained. "She has the flash drive that will intercept Raymond's offshore connection the moment he plugs his laptop into the main terminal."
Suddenly, the door to the study upstairs slammed shut. The internal audio bug Clara had planted in Raymond's suite crackled to life over the speaker.
"...I saw the way the girl looks at him," Raymond’s voice rasped through the static. "She’s too smart. When the transfer is complete in the library, take her to the boat house. Once the deal is done, make sure she disappears."
Clara went cold. Julian’s fists clenched so hard his knuckles turned white, a dangerous fury igniting in his eyes.
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"Nobody touches you, Clara," Julian swore, his voice laced with venom. "I will burn this entire empire to the ground before I let them lay a finger on you."
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