Chapter 15 - Adrian's Network
Claire returned to the secure townhouse where Adrian and Sophie were waiting. She explained the frozen accounts and the federal investigation. Adrian didn't panic; instead, a dangerous, familiar spark lit up in his eyes.
"Sterling thinks money is the only way to exert power," Adrian said, pacing the room. "He thinks freezing your accounts isolates you. He forgot who he's dealing with."
"He framed me, Adrian. If I can't decrypt this flash drive to prove his crimes, I'll go to prison, and he'll take the community center."
"Then we get his thumbprint."
Claire stared at him.
"How? He's surrounded by armed guards twenty-four hours a day."
"Sterling has one weakness," Adrian explained, pulling up a blueprint on his tablet. "His ego. Tomorrow night is the annual Sterling Enterprises Shareholder Gala. He will be there, shaking hands, drinking expensive champagne, acting like a king. It's the only time he allows himself to mingle in a crowded room without his security team hovering inches away."
"We aren't on the guest list."
"We don't need to be. I still have a controlling interest in three major development firms that my mother left me. I am technically one of his biggest shareholders."
Adrian looked at Claire, his expression deadly serious.
"I can get you inside, Claire. But obtaining a biometric print from a paranoid billionaire in a room full of people? That is entirely on you."
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Claire looked down at the encrypted flash drive resting on the table. She thought of Maya, of the children at the center, and of Sophie's unyielding bravery.
"Get me a dress," Claire said. "We're crashing a party."
