“And Victoria helped you?” I asked.

“Victoria knows how to play the game,” Julian said. “She helped me bypass the laboratory security protocols. It was remarkably easy, actually.”

He tapped the screen of his tablet.

“Now, sign the hard copy, Elila,” Julian commanded. “Or the police will be waiting for you at the front doors.”

I looked at the tablet, then at the fire.

My heart was pounding against my ribs, but I knew the microphone had caught every word.

“I don’t think I will,” I said, stepping back.

Julian’s smile vanished.

“What did you say?” he hissed.

Before he could react, the door to the library swung open.

Victoria Sterling stood in the doorway, her face pale.

“Julian, we have a problem,” Victoria said, her voice trembling.

She held up her phone, which was lighting up with rapid notifications.

“What is it?” Julian snapped.

“Andrew just took the stage in the main ballroom,” Victoria said, looking at me with pure hatred. “He’s about to make an announcement.”

Julian glared at me, realizing what was happening.

“You little b—”