The glowing screen of the burner phone felt like a block of ice against Valerie’s palm. Ten minutes. The countdown was already ticking away in her head, each passing second a direct threat to Chloe’s fragile life. Levi Black was not testing her; he was holding the remote control to her sister’s heartbeat.
Valerie shoved the small phone deep back into the hidden pocket of her heavy wedding gown. She took a slow, deep breath to steady her shaking hands, forcing her face back into a mask of calm, fragile innocence. She could not afford to look like a thief. She had to look like a tired bride.
She stepped away from the grand stone pillar and entered the massive foyer of the Thorne mansion. The interior was stunningly beautiful but completely devoid of warmth, filled with white marble floors and towering glass walls.
Adrian was already standing near the grand staircase, handing his black tuxedo jacket to a waiting housemaid. He did not look back at Valerie as she approached, his attention entirely focused on his phone.
"Daniel," Adrian called out, his deep voice echoing slightly in the vast space.
Daniel Morgan appeared from a side corridor instantly, his posture perfectly straight. "Yes, Mr. Thorne?"
"I am going to my private study to review the quarterly financial reports," Adrian said coldly, finally turning his dark eyes to glance at Valerie. His gaze lingered on her face for a second too long, full of that same terrifying, quiet suspicion from the limousine. "Make sure the security perimeter is locked down. No one enters or leaves the estate tonight."
"Understood, sir," Daniel replied, his sharp eyes flicking briefly to Valerie before he turned to walk toward the security office.
Valerie felt a cold sweat break out across her lower back. Adrian was heading straight to the very room she needed to rob. If he locked himself inside his study, she would never get the black flash drive, and Chloe's time would run out.
"Adrian, wait," Valerie said, her voice soft and breathless as she rushed forward, her heavy silk train rustling loudly against the marble floor.
Adrian stopped at the base of the stairs, turning his head slightly. One of his dark eyebrows arched upward in amusement. "Yes, Chloe? Is there something you need?"
Valerie walked right into his personal space, forcing herself to look directly into his icy eyes. She needed to play the role of a delicate, dependent wife who was overwhelmed by the massive house.
"I am very tired, and this place is so big," she murmured, wrapping her arms around herself to look small. "I do not even know where our bedroom is. Can you please show me? I do not want to get lost in your house on our wedding night."
Adrian stared down at her, his expression completely unreadable. For a long, agonizing moment, the silence between them stretched so tight it felt ready to snap. Valerie held her breath, praying he would buy the act.
A cold, mocking smile suddenly played on Adrian’s lips. He reached out, his large hand gently lifting a stray lock of hair away from her face. His fingers were warm against her skin, causing an involuntary shiver to run down her spine.
"Of course," Adrian said softly, though his tone carried a dangerous undercurrent. "Our quarters are at the end of the west wing. Third door on the left. Go up the stairs, and the maids will guide you. I have corporate business to attend to first."
He did not wait for her response. He turned and walked down the eastern corridor, heading directly toward his private study.
Valerie watched his retreating back, her knuckles whitening as she gripped the fabric of her gown. She checked the gold watch on the foyer wall. Seven minutes left.
She walked quickly up the grand marble staircase, making sure any watching staff saw her heading toward the west wing. But the moment she cleared the top landing and stepped into the shadows of the upper corridor, she stopped. Checking to ensure the hallway was completely empty, she turned around and silently hurried down the back staircase that led to the eastern wing.
Her heavy wedding dress was an administrative nightmare, catching on corners and slowing her down. She gathered the layers of silk in her arms, running silently down the carpeted hallway until she stood before the heavy mahogany doors of Adrian's study.
The door was unlocked, just slightly ajar. A warm light spilled out onto the floor.
Valerie peeked through the small crack. Adrian was sitting behind a massive oak desk, his back turned to the door as he stared at a wall of security monitors.
On the corner of the desk, sitting right next to a brass lamp, was a small, sleek black flash drive.
Her heart hammered violently against her ribs. Four minutes left. She had to get him out of that chair.
Valerie stepped back into the shadows of the hallway. Looking around frantically, her eyes landed on a tall, expensive porcelain vase sitting on a pedestal near the glass windows.
Without hesitating, Valerie reached out and shoved the pedestal.
The heavy vase crashed onto the hardwood floor with a deafening, explosive shatter.
Inside the room, Adrian stood up instantly. Valerie heard his heavy, rapid footsteps heading toward the door. She quickly darted around the corner, pressing her back against the wall, her breath hitched in her throat.
Adrian stepped out into the corridor, his eyes locking onto the shattered porcelain. "Who is there?" he demanded, his voice echoing in the dark hallway as he walked toward the mess to investigate.
This was her only window.
Valerie slipped around the corner, moving like a shadow. She darted into the quiet study, her eyes locked entirely on the desk. She snatched the black flash drive, shoving it deep into her gown's pocket next to her phone.
She turned to sprint out, but a tall, imposing figure suddenly blocked the doorway.
It wasn't Adrian.
Daniel Morgan stood in the frame, his dark eyes fixed entirely on her hand as it left her pocket. A slow, chilling smile spread across his face.
"Searching for something, Valerie?" Daniel asked quietly.