The Velvet Lounge was dim, smelling of expensive cigars and old leather.
Dillard sat in a plush booth, staring at his phone. The screen was dark. Gisselle's screaming voice echoed in his head. Lost the baby. Drugged.
It was ridiculous. A fabrication. Erica was healthy. She was just desperate.
Galen Sterling, Gisselle's fiancé and Dillard's friend, sat opposite him. He looked uncomfortable. He checked his own phone.
"Everything okay?" Galen asked.
"Fine," Dillard snapped. "Just Erica making a scene. She sent Gisselle to yell at me."
Galen grimaced. "Gisselle can be... intense. She called me too. Said something about a miscarriage."
Dillard swirled his scotch. "She's lying. She's trying to guilt me into staying."
Harrison Vance leaned in. "Ignore it, Dillard. Focus on the deal. If we don't get Avis Tech on board, the stock takes a hit next quarter."
Right. Avis Tech. And the mysterious Dr. N.
Dillard straightened his tie. "I need that meeting. Dr. N is the key to the new medical division."
The door to the private room opened. Brisa glided in. She wore a silver dress that shimmered like fish scales.
"Dillard," she cooed, sliding next to him. "I feel so much safer now that you're here."
She rested her head on his shoulder. Dillard stiffened. Usually, he welcomed her touch. Tonight, it felt cloying. He kept thinking about the silence in the penthouse. And the scent... Lily of the Valley. It used to remind him of innocence. Now, mixed with the stale cigar smoke, it just smelled artificial.
"Did you catch the stalker?" Brisa asked, running a finger down his arm.
"Security is handling it," Dillard muttered.
Brisa reached for his glass. "Let me have a sip."
Dillard pulled it away. "No. Get your own."
Brisa blinked, hurt flashing in her eyes. She recovered quickly. "You're stressed. Is it about Dr. N? I heard he's coming to the summit. Maybe I can charm him for you?"
Dillard looked at her. "You? Charm a recluse scientist?"
"Why not? Men love me."
Dillard felt a flash of annoyance. "Not everyone is me, Brisa."
He didn't know why he said it. He didn't know why the image of Erica's pale face at lunch was haunting him. He needed to prove she was lying. He needed to prove he wasn't the villain Gisselle said he was.
