Chapter 57 Uncovering a Rat
Raymond's P.O.V.
Jordan told me to look into his and Anushka's businesses to see if anyone other than Gregory was up to no good. I have gone through everyone in his, because I already had access, and it wouldn't take as long to dig. As far as I can tell, no one else seems to have bad intentions.
Anushka gave me access to her system, and I'm impressed with her firewalls. They're effective at blocking hackers. I'm looking into her employees. Everyone seems to be good until I get to one of the last ones.
His name is Phillip Vass, and he hasn't been with the company for long. He's an intern. I do a little digging and find that he's been doing some digging of his own. I can't believe what I find when I look into his personal life. If Anushka had known this, she would never have let him intern there. I have to call her and Jordan.
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Anushka's P.O.V.
I swear, Courtney cooks the best food I have ever tasted. I can cook a little, but I'm not great at it. She's a pro. Today, she made smoked salmon with sauteed asparagus and roasted little round potatoes. Everything is delicious, and the salmon melts in my mouth.
"Why on earth did you become a nurse when you can cook like this?" I ask her between bites. She smiles and sets her fork down.
"I love taking care of people, but I'll admit cooking is my passion," she replies. I notice she and Bobby keep sneaking glances at each other. I'm happy that despite the circumstances, another couple was brought together.
"Are you guys going to live here with us now?" Dakota asks Courtney.
"No, it's just temporary," she answers. It is supposed to be temporary, and now that Gregory is gone, there is no threat, but I still need a nurse. I wonder if she would consider working for us full-time as our cook. It would be worth paying her whatever her salary is at the hospital to have this delicious food, and she can have her kids here, too. Dakota has basically made Sarah and Tyler her siblings. I'll talk to Jordan about it later.
"I finished all my food. Can we have cake now?" Dakota asks, excitedly. Gavin is eating with us, and he pats his stomach.
"I'm with Dakota. There's always room for cake," he says, winking at Dakota. She nods and pats her stomach. Courtney smiles as she takes the empty plates away, and Bobby stands to help her. I lean over to whisper to Jordan.
"What do you think about asking Courtney to work for us full-time even after I don't need a nurse? It would be nice to have someone who can cook like this for all of our meals." Jordan kisses my forehead.
"I was thinking the same thing. Let's talk to her about it tomorrow because I think she has other things on her mind tonight." I glance into the kitchen and see Bobby kissing her. Yeah, she has plans with her man tonight.
After we finished eating cake, Jordan helped me walk a little like Lee showed him. Dakota carefully pushes the wheelchair behind me with Gavin's help. Bobby and Gavin may be part of our security team, but they seem more like family now. They're both incredible.
When we're done, Courtney helps Dakota bathe while Jordan helps me wash up in our bathroom. He then assists me onto the hospital bed. With everyone staying in the penthouse and Dakota's room not being completed, we've had her sleeping in our room on the chaise. She said it makes her feel like a princess. I'm sure my dad and brothers may come back tomorrow, but it was nice having a little break tonight. I'm still trying to process everything that's happened. Dakota runs into the room right after I get settled.
"I'm ready for bed. Will Grandpa Chrissy, and my uncles see us tomorrow?" She asks as Jordan lifts her to give me a kiss before she lies down.
"Probably. Do you like spending time with them?" I ask her, smoothing her golden hair out of her face.
"Yes. Uncle Yorkie said he was going to have his son, Luka, come to my party. He told me not to grow up too fast. What does that mean?" She asks, tilting her head to the side.
"It means that sometimes you act more like an adult than a kid," I explain. Dakota giggles and shakes her head.
"I like to make them show me they don't have guns. I don't want anyone else getting hurt like you." I know it affected her seeing me shot and thinking I was going to die. I'm glad they're not giving her a hard time about her no-guns rule. I have to admit, I do like having the extra security that Christov left outside.
"You're doing a good job at keeping us all safe. Your uncles and grandpa love you." I kiss her forehead, and she hugs me.
"Goodnight, Mommy. I love you." Dakota kisses my cheek and jumps off the bed. I don't know how I got so lucky to have such an amazing little girl.
"I love you too, sweetheart." Jordan tucks her in on the chase and sits on the side of the hospital bed.
"You know they all keep talking about Dakota being the head of the Kondrati family one day. Zakhar asked me how hard it would be to turn the businesses around so they do only legitimate work. I believe being around you and Dakota may change them for the better." I bite my lip and look at the chaise. She's already fast asleep.
"It worries me that she may be pushed into a world she doesn't know or understand," I whisper.
"We'll be here to help guide her on whatever path she chooses." He pulls his phone out of his pocket when it begins vibrating.
"Hello?" He answers while putting it on speaker, but turning the volume down so we don't wake Dakota.
"Hi, Jordan. It's Raymond. Is Anushka near you?"
"I'm right here, and you're on speaker," I tell him.
"Good. I looked into both of your businesses. Jordan, other than Gregory, everyone else looks clean. Anushka, everyone on your end was clean except for one person. Do you know Phillip Vass?" My initial relief is replaced by uneasiness. I'm extremely careful about who I hire.
"Yes. He's an intern who has worked for me for several months." Jordan takes my hand while we wait.
"When I looked into his background, I found something I thought you should know immediately." Raymond pauses.
"What is it?" Jordan asks him.
"Phillip Vass is Stewart Wilkins's son."