Chapter 10 - The Infiltrator
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The Union Club was the oldest and most exclusive private dining hall in Cleveland. Its grand ballroom featured gold-leaf ceilings, dark walnut paneling, and massive stained-glass windows overlooking East 9th Street.
At 7:30 P.M., luxury sedans began pulling up to the valet line.
Trevor Whitfield stood near the entrance of the main ballroom, wearing a black tuxedo with a white rose pinned to his lapel. Beside him, Briana Voss glittered in an off-the-shoulder emerald dress, sipping champagne and smiling effortlessly at city council members.
"Is the press locked down?" Trevor whispered to his PR manager as another group of investors walked past.
"Completely," the manager replied. "The story about Margot being unstable is trending locally. No serious outlet will take her claims seriously now."
"Good," Trevor said, adjusting his cuffs. "Once we close this five-million-dollar tranche tonight, we bypass the municipal audit entirely."
"And what about Elias Carver's nine million?" Briana whispered, leaning in close so no one could hear. "He called my father’s office twice today."
Trevor’s jaw tightened slightly. "Carver won't move until the debt matures next week. By then, the new funds will be safely in Panama, and we’ll be out of state."
"Are you sure?" Briana asked, her eyes darting nervously toward the entrance.
May you like
"I'm certain," Trevor lied smoothly. "Margot was the only one who had the raw technical files, and her access is dead."
Right on cue, the heavy double doors at the back of the ballroom swung open.
