Chapter 17: Julian's Return
Julian walked into the study, loosening his silk bow tie with an irritable flick of his wrist.
He tossed his speech notes onto the mahogany desk and walked over to the built-in wet bar to pour himself a scotch.
From her hiding place behind the velvet drapes, Rebecca held her breath, pressing her hand tightly over her mouth to muffle the sound of her own ragged breathing.
She could smell his cologne—the expensive sandalwood scent that once brought comfort, but now only signified terror.
Julian suddenly froze. His eyes darted toward the wall safe. The portrait of her grandfather was left slightly ajar, and the safe door was unlatched.
Slowly, Julian set his glass down on the table. A dark, dangerous scowl twisted his handsome features. He reached inside his jacket and pulled out a sleek, suppressed semi-automatic pistol, clicking off the safety with a sharp, metallic sound.
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"I know someone is in here," Julian called out, his voice smooth as ice, cutting through the silence of the room. "You left your scent behind, Rebecca. Come out now, and make this quick."
Rebecca gripped the USB drive in her pocket, her mind racing for an exit, but the only door was blocked by Julian, and the balcony doors were too far across the open room.
