Chapter 9 - THE MAN WHO CHOSE THE TRUTH
Adrian faced a decision.
The Halcyon Tower project was worth hundreds of millions.
His company held a controlling investment.
If the falsified reports became public, construction would stop.
Contracts would collapse.
Investors would sue.
And investigators would examine every questionable transaction connected to the project.
Dante laid the figures on Adrian's desk.
“Boss, this could destroy Vale Development.”
Adrian stared at the documents.
Then looked toward the city.
“People could die if that building opens.”
Dante said nothing.
Adrian turned back.
“Stop construction.”
Dante blinked.
“Immediately?”
“Yes.”
“Adrian—”
“Now.”
Dante nodded.
Adrian continued.
“Notify the city. Preserve the records. Cooperate with the investigation.”
Dante stared.
“Do you understand what this will cost?”
Adrian's expression remained calm.
“Yes.”
He looked at the photograph of Sofia on his desk.
His sister.
The girl who'd died because someone had decided another person's life was an acceptable cost of doing business.
He turned back.
“Do it.”
When Evelyn heard the news, she called Adrian.
“Did you really shut down the tower?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
He paused.
“Because it wasn't safe.”
She swallowed.
“That project was important to you.”
“People are more important.”
Silence.
Then Evelyn whispered:
“Thank you.”
Adrian closed his eyes.
For years, people had thanked him for money.
For favors.
For protection.
But Evelyn's gratitude felt different.
It wasn't for something he'd given her.
It was for something he'd chosen not to do.
He looked toward the window.
“Evelyn?”
“Yes?”
“Would you have dinner with me?”
A pause.
Then she laughed softly.
“Are you asking me on a date?”
“Yes.”
“Adrian Vale, the man who terrifies half the city, is asking me on a date?”
“I believe that's what I just said.”
She smiled.
May you like
“Then yes.”
For the first time in eight years, Adrian looked forward to having someone sit beside him.
