The sun was high, casting a golden glow over the quiet estate Calvin had secured for us. Weeks had passed since the chaos that uprooted my life, and though I appreciated their protection, I couldn’t ignore the restlessness clawing at me. Dr. Chelsea and Calvin had agreed that staying hidden was our best option for now…
But I had other plans.
The morning routine was predictable: Calvin trained in the yard, sharpening his combat skills, while Dr. Chelsea busied herself with research in her study.
It was the perfect opportunity.
I stepped into the kitchen, feigning casualness as I grabbed a light coat. “I’m going to the garden for some air,” I called out, not waiting for a response.
Once outside, I slipped through the side gate, careful not to draw attention. The city awaited me, its hum of life promising opportunity.
By midday, I stood before Montenegros’ Construction Company, a towering glass structure that reflected the sky like a mirror. It was the heart of Gabriel’s empire.
Inside, the air was cool and smelled faintly of polished wood and money. I approached the receptionist, my voice steady. “Kristie Gray. I’m here to discuss an investment opportunity with MCC.”
The receptionist’s eyes widened slightly, likely noting the designer outfit I’d carefully chosen for this moment. She made a call, and minutes later, I was escorted to a corner office where Janette awaited.
Janette Dale. Gabriel’ right hand and, from what I’d gathered, his closest confidante. She was striking in a sharp, tailored suit, her dark hair swept into a sleek bun.
“Ms. Gray,” she greeted, her tone professional but guarded. “You’re a new name on the scene. Why MCC?”
I offered her a confident smile. “I see potential where others don’t. Your company has a reputation for innovation, but I believe it’s on the cusp of something… greater. With the right backing, it could dominate the market.”
Her skepticism was evident, but she listened intently as I laid out my pitch. I’d come prepared, presenting a portfolio that painted me as a savvy investor with a knack for turning opportunities into gold. Not just a supermodel.
An hour later, she leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. “You’re bold, Ms. Gray. I like that. Let’s draft a contract and see where this goes.”
When I signed the investor agreement, satisfaction coursed through me.
ONE STEP CLOSER.
The following day, Janette called me. “Ms. Gray, we’re hosting a celebration in two days for some of our top partners. It’s a surprise for Mr. Montenegro. As our newest investor, I’d love for you to attend.”
I hesitated. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I prefer to keep a low profile.”
“Nonsense,” she insisted. “You’ll be our guest of honor. Just keep your identity secret until the right moment—I want Gabriel to be impressed.”
My lips curved into a smile she couldn’t see. “If you insist, I’ll be there.”
PERFECT.
The day of the party arrived, and Montenegro’s ballroom was a vision of opulence. Gold accents gleamed under the crystal chandeliers, and the air buzzed with conversation. Wealth and power were tangible here, worn like armor by every guest in the room.
I arrived fashionably late, my black dress flowing like liquid night as I moved through the crowd. Janette greeted me warmly, her excitement palpable.
“You’re stunning, Ms. Gray,” she said, linking her arm with mine. “Come, let me introduce you to some of our partners.”
I allowed her to lead me, keeping my expression composed. Every step brought me closer to Gabriel, who stood near the bar, laughing with a group of men. When his eyes finally met mine, the laughter died.
His gaze hardened as he took me in, recognition flickering in his eyes. But he masked it quickly, his smile forced.
“Mr. Montenegro,” I said, extending a hand. “It’s an honor to meet you… again.”
He hesitated, his grip firm as he shook my hand. “I thought… this was a close party?” He diverted his gaze on Janette, emphasizing his tone. “For investors.”
I let out a soft laugh. “I invested in MCC. And… I wanted to apologize for my behavior that night. I was... overwhelmed.”
“Overwhelmed?” he echoed, his tone unreadable.
“Yes,” I said, my voice laced with faux sincerity. “It’s been a difficult one for me. I hope you’ll accept my apology.”
His eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. “Of course. No harm done.”
Pretentious. Indeed.
The party continued, the tension between us simmering beneath the surface. I observed him from a distance, noting how he interacted with others. He was cautious, always calculating, and I knew he’d already begun unraveling the threads of my sudden appearance.
Just as I felt the first stirrings of triumph, the air shifted. A sharp crack echoed through the ballroom—a gunshot.
The crowd erupted into chaos, screams filling the air as people scrambled for cover. My heart raced, and I turned toward the sound, my instincts screaming at me to move.
At the entrance, a masked gunman stood, his weapon aimed directly at Janette. My body tensed, every nerve on edge.
I dodged the bullet as soon as I heard the firing shot. TO PROTECT HER.
The shot rang out, and pain exploded in my side. The force of the bullet sent me staggering back, the world spinning as I fell.
Gasps rippled through the room as I hit the floor. My vision blurred, the faces around me fading into a haze.
Somewhere in the distance, I thought I heard Gabriel shout something, his voice sharp and commanding.
BUT IT WAS TOO LATE.
Darkness crept in, pulling me under as the world dissolved around me.
