ia'

Thorne, I discovered I was caught in a web of lies considerably more complicated than I had thought. My se

a parade of riches and power, and as Sam's wife, I had to pretend to be the ideal socialite. I stayed f

icted. She was standing by herself as I headed to the bathroom,

ly to hide her contempt. "I did n

ourteous grin. "Venessa, I had

said with a stern look. "

e meant more than just observation. Managin

a sarcastic bent.

a's focus changed. She nodded curtly and left, sending a wave

across the room. Their conversation seemed fierce, and their looks were aus

e as I got to him and Jake. "Nadia," he said

ler eye, a flutter of concern

was thumping. Indeed, I ju

. The brief but intense contact jolt of surprise sent through me. I

arked, his voice quiet. "Ven

ebrows. "What

he said. "Something that might

d a beat. "What prec

ted to a project I turned away years ago. Though it had fundamental problems, it wa

This was perhaps a disastrous disclosure, not only abo

ng to find out what she knows and how she plans

a deadly secret. "I can help," I said, my voice calm despite the

nigmatic. " Alright. I will

ned to the penthouse. Sam was tense; his attention was relentless. Havin

cret drawer on his desk. With his hands locked into fists, he passed it to m

ct with great risk but also a great promise to transform the tech sector. S

ic "Are you okay?" His reply clearly expressed worry, and I felt guilty for not

Sam. "I have to discover what Venessa has in mind.

ed look. "Do as needed.

ft the study. Venessa's ideas were more serious than I had tho

a's background in search of her plans. Sam stayed far off, his attitude turning colde

from the increasing tension. A few evenings over coffee, we shared stories that felt oddly close in the mi

e night, Jake inquired, his gaze darting around me.

oes beyond Sam as well. It's about doing the right

goal felt lighter. He said gently, "I get i

lled urgently. "Nadia, we have a problem," he said with a strai

gh me. "What are y

unless I meet her," Sam said. "We have to

nning short. Feeling nervous about what Venessa could expose,

urbed, as I headed toward the office. He drew my

o work alone?" With a su

I nodded. "I have to. I h

ething more than simply friendliness flickering in them.

, but slightly menacing, private conference room. Her control over Sam was evident,

involved than I thought. But avoid being overly

left the conference. I understood that whatever happened next would be

nthouse; his expression was tr

nerves. "She's holding the cards, bu

look. "We will figure o

of my research. The stakes rose, and the lines separating my obligation from my emotions were blurring with every move. One