Beneath the surface

Chapter6

With trembling hands, Emily reached for the small notebook tucked away in the drawer. It felt like a treasure trove of secrets, and her heart raced at the thought of what it might contain. She could almost taste the victory of uncovering something that could prove Harrison’s treachery.

But just as she was about to pull it out, she heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching. Panic surged through her, and she quickly closed the drawer, her heart pounding in her chest. She had to think fast. If Harrison caught her here, it would not only ruin her chances of gathering evidence but could also put her in a precarious position.

“Emily?” Harrison’s voice called out, and she froze, her breath hitching in her throat. “What are you doing back here?”

She turned slowly, forcing a smile onto her face, though her heart raced with fear. “I was just… looking for a book,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. “I thought I might find something interesting.”

Harrison stepped into the room, his expression shifting from curiosity to suspicion. “You shouldn’t be rummaging through my things. It’s not proper.”

“I wasn’t rummaging,” she replied, her voice steadier than she felt. “I just thought I’d see if there was anything I could read.”

He narrowed his eyes, studying her for a moment. “You know, Emily, you really should learn your place in this family. You’re not a guest here; you’re my brother’s wife. Act like it.”

The condescension in his tone made her skin crawl, but she forced herself to remain calm. “Of course, Harrison. I just thought I could help out by finding something for the family to enjoy.”

“Right,” he said, his voice dripping with skepticism. “Well, if you’re done here, I suggest you return to your room. I have important matters to attend to.”

Emily nodded, her heart sinking. She had come so close to uncovering something that could help her, but now she had to retreat. “Of course. I’ll leave you to it,” she said, turning to walk away.

As she left the room, she felt a mix of frustration and fear. She had to find another way to get that notebook. It could hold the key to proving Harrison’s intentions, but she couldn’t risk being caught again.

Once she was safely back in her room, Emily leaned against the door, her heart still racing. She took a moment to collect herself, breathing deeply to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside her. She couldn’t let fear dictate her actions. She needed a plan.

Over the next few days, Emily continued to observe Harrison from a distance, taking note of his routines and the people he interacted with. She learned that he often met with a group of investors at a nearby café, discussing business strategies and future plans. It was there that she hoped to find an opportunity to gather more evidence.

One afternoon, she decided to follow him. She dressed in a simple outfit that allowed her to blend in, and with a determined heart, she made her way to the café. As she entered, she spotted Harrison seated at a table in the corner, deep in conversation with two men in sharp suits. They were animated, gesturing as they discussed something that clearly excited them.

Emily found a seat at a nearby table, pretending to read a book while keeping a close eye on Harrison. She strained to catch snippets of their conversation, her heart racing with anticipation. The more she listened, the more she realized how deeply Harrison was entrenched in his plans.

“Once Liam is out of the way, we can take this company to new heights,” Harrison said, his voice low but filled with ambition. “He’s too soft to lead. I’ll show them what real leadership looks like.”

Emily’s stomach twisted at his words. She had to get closer, to hear more. As the conversation continued, she noticed that Harrison had left his briefcase slightly ajar on the floor beside him. It was a risk, but she knew this could be her chance.

With her heart pounding, she stood up and casually walked toward the table, pretending to adjust her hair as she leaned down to pick up a napkin that had fallen. In that moment, she glanced into the briefcase, her breath catching in her throat as she spotted a folder filled with documents.

Just then, one of the men at the table turned to her, raising an eyebrow. “Can I help you?”

Emily straightened up, her heart racing. “Oh, I’m so sorry! I just dropped something,” she stammered, forcing a smile. “I didn’t mean to intrude.”

Harrison shot her a glare, and she could see the irritation in his eyes. “Emily, what are you doing here?” he asked, his voice low and dangerous.

“I was just… grabbing a coffee,” she replied, her mind racing for an excuse. “I didn’t realize you.