The Billionaire’s Redemption

DECEPTIVE THREADS

The following morning, Sandra entered the boardroom as the clock struck eight. Her heels echoed loudly in the otherwise quiet room, and her heart grew faster with every step. There was an unsaid tension in the air, and it felt heavy.

In sharp contrast to the steel and glass that surrounded him, Derek Collins was sitting at the head of the long table. His perfectly fitted suit appeared as sharp as the sneer he was wearing.

Derek stood up as she walked in and said, "Miss Robert." "On time. That appeals to me.

Sandra chose to sit far away from him and put her bag down without answering. She met his calculating gaze and tightened her grasp on the arms of the chair.

With a strong tone, she questioned, "Why am I here?"

Derek laughed quietly, as though her bluntness had amused him. "Direct and to the point. Excellent. Sandra, I've been observing you. It's impressive how resilient and determined you are.

Her stomach grew constricted. "Observing me?"

Derek dismissively waved a hand and added, "Don't look so alarmed." "In this line of work, we look for talent wherever we can. And you are a unique diamond, my love.

Sandra's back was straight. "I'm not interested if you're here to offer me a job."

His grin expanded, but it was devoid of humor. "Oh, but you will be, I believe."

Derek dropped his tone and leaned forward. "Moses Edward is not who you believe him to be. He is unreliable, cunning, and deadly. It will only end badly if you work for him.

Sandra's eyes narrowed. "And I guess you're a rescuer of some sort?"

"I'm giving you the opportunity to defend yourself," Derek said coolly. You're a pawn in a game that Moses is playing that you don't understand. But you could be so much more with me.

As his words sank in, Sandra's heart began to race. She detested the amount of doubt they aroused.

She responded, "I don't need your protection," and suddenly stood up.

Derek stood up too, his expression abruptly icy. "Miss Robert, exercise caution. You're more involved than you think. If you make one mistake, you might not get back up.

Sandra's answer did not elevate his threat. With her thoughts racing, she picked up her suitcase and walked confidently out of the boardroom.

The remainder of the morning was a blur. Sandra made an effort to concentrate on her work, but Derek's remarks followed her around like a shadow.

By lunchtime, she was at her breaking point. She required clarification.

Sandra, her resolve unwavering, walked to Moses's office. She pushed the door open after knocking twice.

Moses's face was stern as he looked up from his desk. "Miss Robert." Is there a reason you're showing up without warning?

Sandra shut the door behind her, ignoring his tone. "We must speak."

Moses's eyebrow went up. "How about?"

Sandra crossed her arms and whispered, "Derek Collins."

The air in the room changed, and his face darkened instantaneously.

"How about him?" Moses said in a quiet voice.

Sandra remarked, "He came up to me this morning," closely observing his response. "He says you can't be trusted."

Moses's jaw tensed, and she briefly believed he would not answer. Then he stood, his steps careful and controlled.

Moses remarked in a harsh tone, "Derek is a manipulator and a liar." "He will say whatever it takes to make you oppose me."

"How about you?" Sandra fired back. "What makes you worthy of my trust?"

Something she couldn't quite identify—angry, frustrated, or perhaps hurt—flitted in Moses's eyes.

"I haven't given you any excuse not to," he added at last.

Sandra paused, her determination faltering. Then be honest with me. What is actually happening between Derek and you?

After a long minute of staring at her, Moses let out a sigh. "It's difficult."

"That isn't a response," Sandra insisted.

"Because it's not a simple question," Moses said abruptly, his composed exterior erupting. He raked a hand through his hair, clearly annoyed.

Sandra's voice grew softer as she moved closer. "Trust me enough to tell me the truth if you want my trust."

The tension between them was evident when Moses looked her in the eye. It looked like he might open up for a second. However, the moment was cut short as his phone buzzed.

Moses muttered curses as he looked at the television. "We'll carry on later."

As he took the call and turned back to his desk, Sandra suppressed her disappointment.

Sandra was plagued by unresolved questions throughout the remainder of the day. She was mentally and physically worn out by the time nightfall arrived.

Eager to end the day, she packed her belongings and made her way to the elevator. But she froze as the doors slid open.

Her name was written in large, black characters on a single piece of paper that was attached to the wall of the elevator.

Sandra pulled the note down with shaking hands and stepped inside.

You're not secure. Never put your trust in anyone.

She was sealed in quiet as the elevator doors closed.

The message crumbled in Sandra's hand as she sat in her apartment that evening. No more clarity was provided than the first time, even after she had read it a dozen times.

She was startled when her phone buzzed. She spotted Emma's name when she looked at the screen.

Sandra responded hastily, "Hey."

"Hey, how are you?" Emma inquired, her tone tinged with worry. "You haven't spoken all day."

Sandra paused. Something prevented her from telling Emma everything she wanted to.

Sandra lied and said, "I'm fine." "I've got a lot on my mind,"

Emma whispered softly, "If you need anything, let me know."

Sandra whispered, "Thank you," and hung up.

After a moment of staring at her phone, a fresh message appeared on the screen.

Unknown Number: Do you still believe you're safe? Examine your email.

Sandra opened her laptop, her heart pounding. There was only one message in her inbox.

According to the subject line, "Proof of Betrayal."

Sandra clicked on it, hands shaking.

Documents, emails, and pictures flooded her screen, all of which pointed to the same conclusion: Derek Collins had been receiving information leaks from someone inside Edward Enterprises. Additionally, Sandra's digital signature appeared on one of the documents.

The ramifications hit her like a ton of bricks. This was not sent by her. Nothing had been signed by her. However, the person who had faked her name had done so with convincing ease.

Her phone buzzed once more before she could come up with a plan.

You have till midnight to choose your side, Unknown Number.

She felt cold when she read the message. Sandra shut down her computer, her thoughts racing. Who was it that was setting her up? And why?

Sandra came to the horrifying realization that she was running out of time as the clock approached midnight.