Chapter 16
At midnight, Clara packed a small travel bag with her essential documents, cash, and the hard drive.
She dressed in a dark coat and flat shoes, carefully unlocking her bedroom door to listen for any sound.
The penthouse was quiet, dark shadows stretching across the long marble corridors.
She tiptoed past Arthur's study, where a dim light leaked from beneath the heavy oak door.
She reached the private residential elevator, pressing the call button with a silent prayer in her heart.
The brass elevator doors slid open smoothly with a soft, barely audible chime.
She stepped inside, pressing the button for the underground parking garage beneath the building.
As the doors began to close, a hand suddenly blocked the sensor, causing the doors to slide back open.
Standing in the doorway was Marcus Vance, Arthur's chief legal advisor, holding a black leather folder.
"Going somewhere, Mrs. Vance?" Marcus asked smoothly, stepping into the elevator car beside her.
Clara tightened her grip on her travel bag, her posture straightening with instant defiance.
May you like
"Step out of my way, Marcus," Clara commanded, her tone cold and unyielding.
"I am leaving this building tonight."
