Chapter 9 - THE TWENTY-FIVE MILLION DOLLAR BAIT

Elena hated the plan.

Gabriel hated it more.

But Elijah was right.

Vivienne believed money controlled everyone.

The safest way to expose her was to let her keep believing that.

Elena replied.

I NEED TIME.

Vivienne answered within seconds.

YOU HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT.

Then another message arrived.

LEAVE THROUGH THE EAST GATE.

COME ALONE.

Gabriel immediately said no.

Elijah raised one hand.

“She is not going alone.”

“She isn’t going anywhere.”

Gabriel snapped.

Elena looked at him.

“This is my decision.”

His expression softened.

“I almost watched my sister crush your hand today.”

“I know.”

“I’m not gambling with you.”

“You’re not.”

Elena touched his chest.

“We’re doing this with security.”

Gabriel struggled with the answer.

Then nodded.

The estate security chief placed trackers inside Elena’s handbag and coat.

Investigators were notified.

Elijah arranged for a private security team to follow at distance.

At 11:30 p.m., Elena left through the east gate.

Her heart pounded.

Vivienne directed her to an empty luxury hotel closed for renovation.

Elena entered the lobby.

A woman stood beside the marble staircase.

Vivienne.

Alive.

Elegant.

Impossible.

She looked at Elena like a buyer examining property.

“You’re prettier than Cassandra said.”

Elena said nothing.

Vivienne held up a folder.

“Twenty-five million.”

“Tax structured.”

“Clean.”

“All you do is sign.”

“What happens to Gabriel?”

“He heals.”

“You mean he loses his wife.”

Vivienne smiled.

“Men survive heartbreak.”

Elena looked at the contract.

“And Cassandra?”

“She keeps what remains of her inheritance.”

“So this is about saving her.”

“No.”

Vivienne’s eyes hardened.

“This is about preserving control.”

There it was.

Elena asked.

“Did you kill Theodore?”

Vivienne’s expression barely changed.

“Careful.”

“That isn’t a no.”

Vivienne stepped closer.

“Theodore made emotional decisions near the end.”

“He needed help.”

“What kind of help?”

“An ending.”

Elena’s pulse jumped.

Vivienne leaned close.

“You want the truth?”

“Yes.”

“Then sign.”

Elena reached for the pen.

Vivienne smiled.

Then police lights exploded across the hotel windows.

Vivienne’s expression shattered.

She turned toward Elena.

“You set me up.”

Elena looked directly at her.

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“No.”

“Your father-in-law did.”