Chapter 16 Shadows of Trust
Valenticias POV-
My heart pounded in my chest as I huddled under my desk.
The shadow whispering in the hall had made my pulse race, but as the footsteps receded, I found it was only a security guard, unaware of my existence.
His radio chimed in, a routine call of a flickering light, and I exhaled shakily.
My nerves were left shaking from the close call. I couldn’t stay here, not with what I had found.
I pocketed the USB drive that still contained the incriminating file on Nexis Solutions. I made my way to the door, peeking into the darkened hallway.
Empty.
My flats barely made a sound on the polished floor as I made my way. Not even an elevator ding to the stairs. Every creak in the building was an alarm, but I forced myself to go, the evidence still in my pocket.
I hailed a cab, my breath visible in the cold. The driver hardly looked at me and I was thankful for his disinterest.
As the city blurred by, my thoughts raced.
Those payments, millions of them funneled through one shadowy firm were not mere financial irregularities; they were a road map to Gregor’s betrayal.
I was sure of it.
But Grandmother’s voice rang in my ear "Evidence, not feelings" I gripped the USB tighter, more determined than ever to make her understand.
At the Clawford estate, the security guard smiled and waved me through, his gaze resting for a moment on my figure, my worried expression. Grandmother was waiting in the foyer, wearing her silk robe. She caught sight of me and pulled me into a strong, bear hug. “You’re shaking,” she said, her voice filled with concern.
“I’m fine,” I lied, but my trembling hands gave me away. She guided me to the sitting room, where a tray of tea awaited. I flopped onto the velvet sofa, the warmth of the room barely melting the chill out of my bones.
Over tea I laid it all out — the offshore account, the payments to Nexis Solutions, and my suspicion that Gregor was the one responsible. “He’s hiding something, Grandmother. This isn’t just about money. I think… I think he’s involved in the kidnapping.”
“Gregor has been loyal all these years, Valenticia. These are grave allegations. You have proof?”
I pushed the USB toward her on the table. “It’s all here. Transactions, dates, and a paper trail to a shell company. It’s not a coincidence.”
She picked it up, her fingers trailing it. “I’ll have it reviewed. But we must tread carefully. Gregor has supporters on the board. If you’re mistaken, or if we jump too quickly, it could break the company.”
Frustration bloomed in my chest. “We can’t wait. He’s doing something now — secret projects, loyalists at key posts. If we don’t act, he will tighten his grip.’
Grandmother’s soft gaze turned stern, “I hear you. Your determination is like mine at your age.” She paused, sipping her tea. “I will call for a boardroom audit. This is a neutral move, one that doesn’t show our hand. But you have to be ready to be scrutinized.”
“I am,” I said, my voice firm. “I’ll show them the truth.”
Her smile faded as she put down her cup. “There’s something else you should know". To protect your stake and Clawford’s future, I’ve been negotiating with New Dream Corporation. An alliance would neutralize Gregor’s influence.”
I frowned.
“An alliance? With Stefan Myles?”
She nodded.
"Possibly more. I suggested a contract marriage between you and Stefan.”
The words hit like a slap. I flinched, my cup rattling against its saucer. “Another marriage of convenience? After Dmitri?” My voice cracked as memories of that cold, loveless year came flooding back.
His indifference, the divorce papers, Natasha’s shadow.
“It won’t be the same,” Grandmother said decisively. “This might be strategic, a joint undertaking so we can preserve our legacy. Stefan is strong and unattached, and our interests align. Together, you could outsmart Gregor.”
My mind whirled, recalling Stefan’s intense stare at the gala, how he’d protected me from those men, and his blunt expression towards my dinner invitation. Could I trust him? And I owed him, a debt I hadn’t paid. “I… I have to think about it,” I said, my throat tight.
“Think quickly,” she replied. “The board meeting is coming up tomorrow. Your presence will set the tone there.”
I slept poorly that night, Stefan’s face and Dmitri’s betrayal entwining in my dreams. By morning, I wore a tailored blazer and skirt, understated but sharp, prepared to confront the board as an analyst, not an heiress. The Clawford boardroom was a fortress with a long table occupied by executives in ivory and black.
They watched me walk in, some curious and others skeptical. Gregor perched near the head, his smile buffed but his eyes hungry when they fell on me.
Routine updates opened the meeting, though I sensed the undercurrent of tension. When we got around to the subject of financial oversight, I seized my opportunity. “As an analyst, I’ve observed some issues in your recent reports,” I said in, a clear voice. “If you want transparency, then I propose a full audit.”
A murmur swept through the room. Gregor’s smile faltered, his eyes filled with something dark. Anger, or fear? Then he continued smoothly, “An audit is a heavy lift. Maybe we focus on current projects.”
Before I could respond, a voice chimed in. “I’m with Ms. Clawford.” An older board member, Ms. Elaine, with sharp eyes and silver hair, leaned in. “Transparency is of utmost importance, considering recent … concerns.” Her eyes fixed on Gregor.
I locked eyes with her, a flicker of gratitude exchanged. The audit was approved by the board but Stone’s allies shot nervous looks at each other. After the meeting ended, Elaine called my line, her voice low. “You’re poking your nose in the hornet’s nest, but you’re not alone. Gregor has partners in secret, someone from your past. Be careful.”
My pulse quickened. “Who?”
She was about to respond when a racket from outside interrupted her. From the courtyard echoed shouts, urgent and chaotic. I ran to the window, breathless when I saw him. Dmitri looked disheveled, his tie askew, banging against the estate gates Valenticia!” he shouted, his voice raw. “I need to talk to you!”
My stomach twisted.
What was he doing here? Before I could understand, a sleek car rolled in, Natasha came out of it, rage on her face, and a glimmering object in her hand.