Chapter 7: The Judas Kiss
Valerie wiped blood from her split lip, her eyes gleaming with something far more dangerous than tears.
“You shouldn’t have done that, Declan.” Her voice was eerily calm.
Declan barely glanced at her, already reaching for his phone. “Get out. I have damage control to—”
“No.” Valerie slammed a file onto the desk—thicker than the one Kimberly had used, stuffed with documents that made Declan’s breath hitch. “You’re done.”
He flipped it open—and froze.
Proof.
Of every embezzled dollar. Every forged signature. Every body he’d buried to climb this high.
Valerie smiled. “Did you really think I’d let you ruin me?”
Holden Group HQ – Midnight
Kimberly scrolled through the latest financial reports, Lucian lounging across from her with a glass of whiskey.
“Declan’s finished,” she murmured. “His stocks are worthless. His assets are mine. Even Valerie’s turned on him.”
Lucian swirled his drink. “And yet you don’t look satisfied.”
She met his gaze. “Because you still haven’t told me why you care.”
Before he could answer, her phone buzzed—a location pin from an unknown number.
Come alone. Or the truth about your mother dies with me. -V
Lucian’s hand closed over hers. “It’s a trap.”
Kimberly stood, her smile razor-sharp. “I’m counting on it.”
Abandoned Dockyard – 2:17 AM
Valerie stood silhouetted against the moonlight, a gun glinting in her hand.
“You shouldn’t have come.”
Kimberly stepped forward, unafraid. “Where’s Declan?”
A choked laugh. “Gone. He left me to clean up—just like always.” Valerie raised the gun—then suddenly aimed past Kimberly.
“But you already knew that, didn’t you, Mr. Howard?”
Lucian emerged from the shadows, his own weapon drawn. “Drop it, Valerie.”
Kimberly went very still. “You followed me?”
His jaw tightened. “I protect what’s mine.”
Valerie’s grin turned feral. “Oh, this is priceless.” She tossed a flash drive at Kimberly’s feet. “Your knight? He’s the reason your mother really died.”
The world tilted.
Lucian’s voice was raw. “Kimberly, don’t—”
Valerie pulled the trigger.