Beneath The Billionaire's Veil

ent; his motions were exact, his look deliberate. Dora moved

last, her voice tinted with irrit

"I wish I had answers, Dora." " Whoever they are, though, they obvious

r throat. "Do you suppose it has a bearing on your business

. "Over the years, I have developed adversaries who will sto

over them like a heavy veil. From outside, the city skyline sparkled with f

will: "We need to find out who they are".

ed." Still, we must exercise caution. The perso

d their next moves. Her heart skipped a beat when

rned of the events. Does

the facts were considerably more complex than a basic text message co

with me. Right now we're sa

ication and concern: Remain cautious, both of y

had brought Lily into a world she had so sorely sought to k

voice firm despite the turbulence inside her

possible outcomes. "We cannot risk exposing ourselves to scrutiny," h

e level. "What then do you recommend? We back o

on. Not one. We subtly compile data. We

hypotheses as they assembled the bits of their assailant's identification. Every dis

s in pink and gold. Adrian walked her to a guest bedroom; h

e gently advised, "Get some rest, D

vening, she nodded groggily. "Thank you, Adrian,"

thoughts spinning through a rainbow of feelings. Adrian Pierce had inv

one question shone br

d not tr

reated in the furnace of risk. They met covertly, sharing intelligence

"-a master manipulator with links to Adrian's past and aspirations that went well beyond business rivalry

ermination collided with Adrian's reserved manner and unclear motivations. Their exchanges were fraught with hi

been able to create among the turmoil one evening wh

r his jacket automatically. Dora looked at him, her own

cried out, his voi

swered, one flavored with hurry and anx

d the door. Perched on the doorway was a person cl

is voice cool and direct. "And

a hint of anxiety. "My name is Marcus," they said vaguely, their

stion of a warning; her senses cautio

said, her voice firm despi

voices low and anxious, they at last said, "The Architect is closing in." "

unflinching attention. "Then they'll have to find us first

to squarely face the approaching danger. "We have to keep one step ahead of th

disclosure. Quietly, "I can help you," they said, their eyes meetin

like a fragile thread. Marcus's offer provided a danger as well as an opportunity

s voice wary. "But Marcus, make no mi

roken. "I have seen The Architect's capacity. A

ened to swallow them as they formed a tense partnership with Marcus. The stakes rose w

evident throughout the

wasn't quit