Chapter 9 - the woman who planned every entrance
Simone Voss had entered the Hart family’s life before Adrian.
She had appeared eighteen months earlier as a respected wedding consultant known for organizing private events for wealthy families. Claire met her at a charity dinner, where Simone introduced her to Adrian.
Every important moment had been arranged by the same woman.
Daniel spread the wedding schedule across a table in the security office.
“She placed Adrian near Claire,” he said. “She gained access to the hotel, then selected staff members who could be bribed or replaced.”
Felix examined the list.
“Half of these temporary employees were hired through a company that was created six weeks ago.”
Detective Ortiz checked her phone.
“Simone’s vehicle was found three blocks away. The engine was running, but she wasn’t inside.”
“She’s still near the hotel,” Mara said.
Lily sat beside Claire under a blanket. She had refused to leave the security office without her mother.
“Simone told someone there was another way out,” Lily said.
“When did you hear that?” Daniel asked.
“Before the ceremony. She was talking behind the flower wall.”
“What exactly did she say?”
Lily concentrated.
“She said, ‘If the west exit is closed, use the bride’s entrance.’”
Claire looked toward the architectural plans.
“The bride’s entrance is the elevator from the underground garage.”
Felix shook his head.
“That elevator was sealed during the renovation.”
“Was it?” Daniel asked.
They reviewed the live camera feeds.
The underground garage appeared empty, but Felix noticed that one camera was replaying the same twelve-second sequence. A car’s headlights reflected against the wall in exactly the same pattern every few seconds.
“They looped it,” he said.
Police teams were sent below.
Mara remained in the security office with Lily while Daniel, Felix and Detective Ortiz joined the search.
Adrian was placed in a conference room under guard. His attorney continued insisting that he had been manipulated by Eleanor and Simone.
Claire entered the room alone.
Adrian rose when he saw her.
“I knew you would come.”
“I came for the truth.”
“The truth is that your family used me.”
Claire almost laughed.
“My family did not place a stolen phone on a child.”
“Simone ordered that.”
“And you obeyed.”
Adrian lowered his voice.
“She has information that could destroy everyone connected to the Hart name.”
“You mean information about my father.”
“He is alive.”
Claire watched his face carefully.
“Have you met him?”
Adrian hesitated.
That was enough.
Claire stepped closer.
“Where?”
“I can take you to him.”
“Why should I believe you?”
“Because Jonathan is the one who selected me.”
The conference-room camera transmitted every word to the security office. Mara felt Lily’s fingers tighten around hers.
Adrian continued.
“Your father needed someone inside the family. He knew Daniel would investigate too openly and Mara would never risk her daughter. You were the only one he could control through affection.”
Claire’s expression did not change.
“You never loved me.”
“I did at first.”
“No. You loved access.”
Adrian reached for her.
Claire stepped away.
“Tell me where my father is.”
“Give me the key.”
“Then what?”
“Then we stop Simone before she opens the archive.”
Claire removed the brass key from her dress.
Adrian stared at it.
For a moment, his calm facade disappeared, replaced by desperation.
“The key doesn’t open the archive,” he said. “It activates the release system.”
“What release system?”
“If Simone reaches the room first, every name Jonathan protected will be sent to the people hunting them.”
The security office alarm sounded.
Felix’s voice came through Mara’s phone.
“We found the underground elevator.”
“Did you find Simone?”
“No.”
“Then why is the alarm sounding?”
“Because the elevator is moving.”
The floor indicator showed it rising from beneath the garage.
There was no level marked below the basement.
Yet the display changed from B1 to A.
May you like
The archive was not beneath the ballroom.
It was moving toward them.
