Chapter 4 - THE PHOTOGRAPH THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
“Explain.”
Serena's voice was quiet.
Roman glanced around the ballroom.
“Not here.”
She almost laughed.
“Of course. Never here. Never where someone might see you care.”
His face tightened.
“Serena, this isn't about appearances.”
“Then tell me the truth.”
Roman looked toward Alexander.
“Six months ago, someone offered two million dollars to have you killed.”
Serena went still.
The music continued.
Couples danced around them.
Nobody nearby seemed to understand that her world had just tilted.
“Who?”
“We don't know.”
She stared at him.
“You've known for six months?”
“Yes.”
“And you never told me?”
Roman swallowed.
“I thought I was protecting you.”
Serena's eyes filled.
“By making me believe you were ashamed of me?”
He said nothing.
She turned toward Alexander.
“Were you on that balcony?”
Alexander's expression changed.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
He looked toward Roman.
“I think we should speak privately.”
Serena stepped back.
“No.”
Both men looked at her.
She lifted her chin.
“I'm done with men deciding what I deserve to know.”
They moved to a private conference room with a hotel security representative nearby.
Alexander placed his phone on the table.
“Six months ago, I received information that a charitable organization was being used to move money connected to criminal contracts.”
Roman's jaw tightened.
“Which organization?”
Alexander hesitated.
“The Winter Children's Foundation.”
Serena stared.
“That foundation is hosting tonight's gala.”
“Yes.”
Alexander continued.
“I was investigating its financial records. Someone told me a woman would be targeted at the Harrington Grand.”
“Me,” Serena whispered.
Alexander nodded.
“I went to the balcony because I believed someone was following you.”
Roman leaned forward.
“Why didn't you contact me?”
Alexander looked at him.
“Because the information suggested someone inside your organization was involved.”
Silence.
Serena looked between them.
Then asked the question neither man wanted to answer.
“Who benefits if I die?”
Roman's expression darkened.
Alexander lowered his eyes.
And Serena suddenly understood.
The threat wasn't merely against Roman's wife.
May you like
It was against something she owned.
Something she didn't yet know existed.
