He would have the company, and I would have a federal indictment.

“Ava,” Elias said, his voice dropping an octave.

He tapped the gold pen against the mahogany desk.

*Tap. Tap. Tap.*

“I asked you a question,” he said.

“It was just a news alert,” I lied.

My heart was hammering against my ribs like a trapped bird.

I had to play this perfectly.

If Elias knew I had just received ten million dollars from his closest ally, he would destroy me himself.

But if Daniel thought I was backing out, he would leak the files anyway and leave me to take the fall.

I was caught between two monsters.

“You’re a bad liar,” Elias said.

He stood up, adjusting the cuffs of his bespoke gray suit.

He walked over to the window, looking out at the foggy skyline.

“You always have been,” he added. “It was the only charming thing about you.”

I swallowed the dryness in my throat.

“We need to talk about Daniel,” I said.

Elias did not turn around. “What about him?”

“He told me he had the board votes,” I said, keeping my voice steady.