Chapter 5 - THE GHOST IN CHICAGO
My attorney, Marcus Vance, slid a set of apartment keys across the sleek glass desk.
“It’s a secure loft downtown,” Marcus said, adjusting his glasses.
“Registered under a blind trust. Adrian won't find it through normal channels.”
“Thank you, Marcus,” I said, pocketing the keys.
“Are you sure about this, Claire?” Marcus asked, leaning forward.
“Adrian Moretti doesn't let people walk away easily.”
“Neither do I,” I replied quietly.
For six years, I had lived in Adrian’s shadow.
People thought I was just a quiet trophy wife.
They didn't know I held a degree in corporate finance from Northwestern.
They didn't know I had spent years reviewing Moretti Holdings' internal ledgers while Adrian thought I was knitting.
I knew where every hidden account was buried.
I knew which shell corporations funded his shipping empire.
And most importantly, I knew about Lily Monroe.
She wasn't just a financial strategist.
She was the architect of a parallel ledger designed to siphon millions out from under Adrian’s nose.
When Adrian chose to save her first at the warehouse, it wasn't just a romantic impulse.
It was panic.
If Lily fell into enemy hands, she would trade Adrian’s secrets to save herself.
I looked out the high loft window at the Chicago skyline.
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Adrian thought he had left me behind.
He didn't realize he had just freed the only person who could dismantle his entire empire.
