“It’s safer that way,” he said. “Less connection to Elias.”

“Or more connection to me,” I said.

“What are you talking about?”

“If the board investigates the leaks, they will find that account,” I said.

“They won’t,” Daniel said. “It’s a private bank in the Caymans. It’s secure.”

“Nothing is secure when Elias King is angry,” I said.

I watched a yellow cab splash through a puddle in the street.

“Ava, listen to me,” Daniel said, his tone turning sharp. “Did you sign the papers?”

“I’m about to,” I lied. “But Elias is offering me two million directly.”

“Two million is nothing,” Daniel said. “I just gave you ten.”

“Ten million that looks like a payoff for corporate espionage,” I said.

“You are overthinking this,” Daniel said. “Just drop the files to the press like we planned.”

“I need to make sure I’m protected,” I said.

“You are protected by me,” he said. “Now do it.”

The line went dead.

I lowered the phone and stared at the dark screen.

He was going to burn us both.

He wanted Elias gone, and he wanted me silenced.