Chapter 106
Grace's POV
"The investment is part of Elizabeth's strategy. She wants to create the appearance that you and Richard are still connected, that maybe your marriage isn't as over as you claim."
I felt anger surge through me. "She's trying to damage my reputation."
"Exactly. Make it look like you're playing both sides, that you can't be trusted." Alex's voice was low. "But I think I know how we can turn this against her."
I moved closer to him, lowering my voice. "What did you have in mind?"
Alex leaned down as I whispered my plan in his ear. When I finished, he pulled back with a satisfied smile.
"Brilliant," he said. "Absolutely brilliant. I'll make sure everything is in place."
"Good." I felt a surge of anticipation. "Let's show Elizabeth Wilson exactly who she's dealing with."
Later that night, as we lay in bed, I found myself staring at Alex's profile in the moonlight. He was perfectly still beside me, his breathing deep and even, but I could tell he wasn't asleep.
I tried counting his eyelashes to distract myself from the way his presence affected me, but apparently I wasn't as subtle as I thought.
"Just counting eyelashes isn't enough," Alex's voice was low and amused in the darkness. "Eventually, you're going to want to explore every inch of me..."
My face burned with embarrassment and something else entirely.
"I'm going to Valhalla next week," he continued, his tone becoming more serious. "There's an important project that requires my personal attention. I'll probably be gone for a week."
I felt a pang of disappointment. "A whole week?"
"I know. I don't want to leave you, especially with everything that's happening." He turned to face me, his eyes finding mine in the dim light. "But when I get back, we're going to have that proper wedding. The one you deserve."
My heart skipped. "Alex—"
"And after that," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper, "I won't be giving you the chance to count my eyelashes anymore. You'll be too busy with other activities."
The promise in his voice made my entire body flush with heat.
"Okay," I whispered back, my voice barely audible.
"Okay?" He smiled, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. "Get some sleep, darling. We have a busy week ahead of us."
As I drifted off to sleep in his arms, I felt safer and more content than I had in years. Whatever Elizabeth and Andrew were planning, whatever Richard might try next, I knew Alex would be there to protect me.
---
Julie's POV
I stared at my computer screen, the quarterly reports blurring together as my mind kept drifting back to yesterday's phone call. Harry's voice had sounded so small, so defeated when he told me about the private school.
"They said they have concerns about our family background, Julie. They can't guarantee my continued enrollment."
The memory made my stomach clench. I'd already paid the astronomical tuition fees for Starport's most prestigious private academy. Money I'd scraped together from every corner of my savings, every bonus, every overtime hour I could manage.
My phone buzzed with a text message. Andrew.
"Heard about Harry's situation. If you need any assistance, I'm here. We should talk."
I deleted the message immediately, my hands shaking. The timing was too perfect, too convenient. Andrew's sudden interest in my family problems right after Harry's school issues?
He wants to use me against Grace.
The elevator dinged as I stepped inside, lost in thought. I was so distracted that I didn't notice Andrew until he slipped in just before the doors closed.
"Julie." His voice was cold and hard. "Perfect timing."
I pressed myself against the elevator wall, my heart hammering. "Andrew. I didn't see you there."
"I'm sure you didn't." He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "We need to talk."
The elevator seemed to move in slow motion as Andrew stepped closer. The enclosed space felt suffocating.
"Grace can help you now," he said conversationally, "but she can't help you forever. You realize that, don't you?"
My mouth went dry. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Harry's school situation is just the beginning." Andrew said. "Your mother's cancer treatments are expensive, aren't they? Even with insurance, the bills must be overwhelming."
My face went pale. His smile turned predatory.
I felt like I was drowning. "What do you want?"
"Smart girl." The elevator stopped at our floor, but Andrew made no move to exit. "I want you to do one simple thing for me, and I promise your family will never be bothered again."
"I won't betray Grace," I said firmly, surprising myself with the strength in my voice. "I'd rather quit than—"
"Oh, you sweet, naive thing." Andrew laughed softly. "This isn't about betrayal. It's about survival. Your brother's future. Your mother's life."
The elevator doors opened, but I felt trapped.
"What exactly are you asking me to do?"
Andrew stepped out into the hallway, gesturing for me to follow. "Walk with me."
We moved down the corridor, past the bustling offices where my colleagues worked, oblivious to the nightmare unfolding beside them.
"You're Grace's subordinate," Andrew said casually. "You have access to her computer, her passwords, her project files."
My blood turned to ice. "You want me to steal from her."
"I want you to share some internal data about the projects she's been taking over. Nothing major, just enough for me to understand the competitive landscape."
"That's corporate espionage," I whispered.
"That's business." Andrew's voice hardened. "Do this one thing, and I promise your family will be left alone. Harry will finish his education, your mother will get her treatment."
I stood there, paralyzed by the impossible choice.
---
I spent thirty minutes in Grace's office. When I came out, I nearly bumped into her.
"Julie? Were you looking for me?" Grace noticed me coming out of her office, looking somewhat confused.
"Yes, Grace," I stammered, completely losing my composure. "I wanted to discuss something with you."
"Oh, is this about what you wanted to tell me the other night?"
Grace studied my face carefully.
I nodded. "...Yes."
"Good, then let's go in and talk."
Just as Grace was about to enter her office, Andrew appeared from the end of the corridor.
Seeing him, I immediately lowered my head, avoiding eye contact.
"Grace, good morning," Andrew said pleasantly. Grace returned a professional smile. "Good morning, Andrew."
"There's an executive meeting that needs your attention. Just reviewing some company decisions. Won't take too long." Andrew's gaze slid from Grace's face to mine, then added: "Everyone's waiting."
"Of course, I'll be right there." Grace dismissed Andrew, then turned to me. "I'll be back soon."
"Grace." I grabbed her arm. "Be careful with Andrew. And Violet. And... don't work too hard."
Grace's expression changed. "Julie, what's wrong? You're talking like you're saying goodbye."
"No, I'm just worried about you." I quickly looked away. "I should get back to work!"
Before Grace could react, I fled.