The Billionaire's Dilemma

The next morning, Emily woke up in Julian's penthouse, the memory of the break-in still fresh. Despite the danger, she knew she couldn't stop now. She needed to find Bryce Holden and fast.

Julian, already dressed in a tailored navy suit, placed a steaming cup of coffee beside her. His face was calm, but his tense posture betrayed his worry.

"I'm assigning extra security to you," he said. "Marcus won't get another chance."

Emily shook her head. "We can't just react we need to strike first. If I can track down Bryce, I can bring Marcus down for good."

Julian's gaze softened as he sat beside her. "I don't want you to risk yourself for this."

Emily touched his hand. "I'm already in it. And I'm not backing down."

Following the Money

By midday, Emily was deep in financial records linked to Marcus's offshore accounts. Every clue pointed to Bryce Holden, but there was no clear location. Until she found an anomaly a recurring transfer to a private property on the outskirts of the city.

"This must be where Bryce is hiding," she whispered, her heart pounding.

Claire, who had joined her at the office, frowned as she scanned the address. "That's a high-security estate. You can't just walk in."

Emily's jaw tightened. "Then I'll find a way."

An Unexpected Ally

Just as Emily was preparing to leave, Julian's younger brother, Nathan, strolled into the office. Despite their complicated relationship, Nathan had always had a knack for getting into places he shouldn't.

"I heard you're playing detective," Nathan said with a smirk. "Need a hand?"

Julian, standing by the window, eyed him warily. "What's your angle, Nathan?"

Nathan shrugged. "Marcus has always been a snake. If you're bringing him down, I want in."

After a tense pause, Julian nodded. "Get her inside safely. If anything happens"

"I know," Nathan cut in, flashing Emily a grin. "I'm not that reckless."

A Risky Infiltration

That evening, Nathan drove Emily to the secluded estate. The towering gates and security cameras confirmed what they already suspected this was no ordinary safe house.

"You sure about this?" Nathan asked as they crouched near the back entrance.

Emily exhaled slowly. "I have to be."

With Nathan's distraction pulling the guards away, Emily slipped inside. The air was thick with tension as she navigated the dimly lit halls until she reached a locked study door.

Using a keycard Nathan lifted from a distracted guard, she slipped inside. On the desk were contracts and transaction records proof that Marcus had orchestrated the false charges against Julian.

But just as she stuffed the evidence into her bag, a voice behind her froze her in place.

"You shouldn't be here."

Emily spun around to face a tall, cold-eyed man Bryce Holden.

A Dangerous Bargain

"Who sent you?" Bryce demanded, stepping closer.

"Marcus will burn you too," Emily said, forcing her voice to stay steady. "Help us, and we'll protect you when this falls apart."

For a moment, the room fell into tense silence. Then Bryce laughed quietly. "You think Julian Blackwood can protect anyone?"

"You know I'm right," Emily pressed. "When Marcus doesn't need you anymore, you're disposable. Work with us and you might survive this."

Bryce hesitated but the flicker of fear in his eyes told her one thing: He was already doubting his loyalty.

"I'll think about it," he muttered. "Now leave before I change my mind."

Emily didn't waste another second.

As she slipped back outside, her heart hammered in her chest but clutched in her hands was exactly what they needed: the proof to destroy Marcus.