Chapter 7: The Shadow Partner
The revelation hung heavily in the air-conditioned silence of the conference room. Julian stared at the printed access logs, his jaw tightening as he recognized the employee identification number associated with the secondary key. It belonged to Marcus Vance—no relation to the detective—who served as the firm’s chief legal counsel and had been Clara’s closest confidant during the merger negotiations.
"Marcus," Julian muttered, the realization hitting him like a physical blow. "He drafted every agreement. He sat across from me at every board meeting, nodding in agreement while quietly locking down the escape routes."
Detective Vance crossed his arms. "We checked his office twenty minutes ago. He’s gone. His desk was cleared out before dawn, and his corporate vehicle was abandoned near the municipal airport."
Maya stood up, walking over to the window to look down at the bustling city street below. "He knows the net is closing. If he reaches international waters with those offshore access keys, the stolen capital is gone forever, and the firm will face immediate liquidation."
"Not if we intercept him first," Julian said, his voice dropping into a tone of absolute determination. He turned to the detective. "Where is his most likely exit point?"
"Private aviation terminal at the county airstrip," Vance replied, pulling out his radio. "I’ve already dispatched two patrol units to secure the perimeter, but if he has a chartered flight waiting, he could be airborne within the hour."
Julian didn't hesitate. He grabbed his suit jacket from the back of the chair. "I’m coming with you."
"Julian, no," Maya protested, stepping forward. "This isn't a board meeting; it’s a fugitive hunt. Let the police handle it."
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"Marcus betrayed everything my family built, and he tried to destroy you," Julian said, his eyes meeting hers with unwavering intensity. "This ends today, and I am going to be there to see it finish."
Without waiting for her argument, Julian walked out of the conference room, following the detective down the private elevator toward the underground garage. Maya watched him leave, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and profound respect. She knew she couldn't simply stay behind; she closed her laptop, grabbed her coat, and hurried down the stairs to follow them.
