Chapter 63
CODY’s PoV
The phone rang twice before the voice on the other end answered.
“Sir.”
I didn’t bother greeting. “Tell me you found something.”
“We’re still looking,” the man said carefully, “Nothing solid yet.”
My teeth ground together, “Nothing? After all this fucking time?”
“We’re scanning every known database–“
“And?” I asked impatiently.
“And…” he paused,“…it’s like she didn’t exist.”
That sentence sent a spike of irritation through me.
"What the fuck do you mean she didn’t exist??" I hissed in frustration.
“What about Valley Tech?” I said, my voice clipped, “I asked you to put someone there.”
“Sir, respectfully…the last person we sent was caught. If we try again, they’ll be on guard now more than ever.”
“Fuck.” I swore under my breath.
There had to be something on her. There was no way a woman went from nothing to an internationally recognized ‘philanthropist’ without leaving a trail.
Not unless she’s hiding something.
I lowered his voice. “Any trace of her life before she entered the limelight, no matter how insignificant, I want it. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good.” I ended the call.
I leaned back, closing my eyes just for a moment. I needed to steady the irritation clawing at my fucking ribs.
How the fuck did she pull it off?
It was impossible.
She had no past. All that existed was the version of her that was a valedictorian and award winner.
Someone had wiped her clean. Someone skilled.
And Alvarez…
Alvarez wasn’t talking.
He had been tense the last time they spoke, too cautious, careful with every word.
She probably had something on him.
And when I found it, he would fold like a fucking pretzel. He’d be right where I wanted him, right in the palm of my hands.
When my driver came to a stop at the Hamilton estate, I closed his eyes and inhaled as the ritual began–I ran my hand through my hair and adjusted my tie.
And most importantly, my picture-perfect smile was on display.
The entrance was glimmering with gold and draped in elaborate floral archways. Security swarmed every corner.
The Hamiltons never hosted an anniversary without an absurd amount of protocol.
The press lined the walkway, flash after flash exploding as each guest stepped out of their cars.
And as my driver opened the door, I was ambushed by the same flashes. But I was used to it.
I stepped out with trained, effortless elegance. A man of my caliber should not be accustomed to less.
I gave my signature charming smile for the cameras before I headed in.
Security patted everyone down. Even the richest weren’t exempt.
But once they saw me, I passed through effortlessly, and the guards nodded in recognition.
Inside, the living room was transformed into a ballroom, glowing with warm light and the hum of High-class elites, politicians, CEOs and everyone in between.
The Hamiltons knew how to put on a show that only the wealthy could watch.
“Cody!”
I turned just as Edward, Audrey’s father, waved me over enthusiastically.
He was speaking to the mayor as I approached.
He grasped my shoulder, beaming as he turned back to the mayor, “Peterson, this is my son-in-law-to-be, Cody. Audrey’s fiancé.”
The mayor smiled politely, “Ah…I’ve heard quite a lot about you from your father.”
I offered a hand and a practiced smile, “You’re doing so much for our city, sir. The development has been impressive.”
The mayor waved the compliment away, “I’m simply doing what’s expected.”
Edward cleared his throat, leaning forward. “About the building you seized, Peterson… I’m not sure you knew it was my son’s.”
“Oh, I was aware,” the mayor replied calmly, “What I didn’t know was that he was engaged to your daughter.”
“It’s not public yet,” Edward said proudly, “But it’s set in stone. Just waiting on the youngins to make the announcement.”
He squeezed my shoulder again as he laughed.
“Well, congratulations in advance,” the mayor said, “You’ll be compensated generously for the building, I assure you.”
Compensated?
I resisted the urge to scoff, “Sir, money isn’t an issue for me.”
“Of course not.” The mayor chuckled, “I meant compensated with a bigger building—one in a prime location at that.”
I didn’t want another fucking building.
I wanted what was mine. What he had given to that bitch.
“That would be splendid!” Edward cut in before I could respond.
I tilted his head, forced the smile back on, “Yes. Splendid.”
As Edward was pulled away by another guest, I took a half step closer to the mayor, my expression cooling.
“What did she offer you that my company didn’t?”
The mayor’s brows lifted mildly, “You were the one who said money isn’t the issue.”
“It isn’t. So what was it? What did she give you that made you forget everything my father has done for the city? For your campaign?” I asked, slowly losing my cool.
He exhaled slowly, his gaze shifting away, “There was someone else I owed a greater debt to.”
A greater debt?
“Who?” I asked sharply.
“An old friend.” He answered vaguely, “But once again, I apologize for the seizure without notice. You’ll have access to the building this week.”
“What old–“
“Mayor Peterson!! I didn’t expect to see you here!” Another’s voice cut me off.
“Excuse me.” The mayor said curtly and left me there.
My irritation surged to the roof, but so did my curiosity.
An old friend? Connected to her?
Who could it be??
How deep did her network run?
I brought out my phone, about to message my contact and then my eyes caught her.
Imani Rodriguez.
Not the version I had seen before. Tonight she looked… different.
Her hair wasn’t as straight as it always was.
Tonight, it was swept back, captured in a claw clip that bared her neck, accented with a simple gold necklace.
Her burgundy halter dress hugged every inch of her, in a way that made eyes follow her as she walked.
And she walked like she owned the damn room.
Like the world itself should move aside for her.
Like she belonged here.
And that infuriated me even more.
My jaw clenched as I watched her.
My feet moved before I even realized it, pulled by something I couldn’t name.
All I knew was that, she shouldn’t be here. She didn’t belong her.
But halfway across the crowded ballroom, something made me freeze.
He approached her from behind.
He stepped into her space beside her like he belonged there, like she had been expecting him.
My blood boiled as I watched them.
What the fuck was he doing with her?