Queen's Gambit

Clara's POV

The Reid Enterprises building loomed before me, less imposing now that I knew its foundations were built on lies. I adjusted my Chanel suit and strode through the lobby, ignoring the whispers that followed.

"Mrs. Reid—I mean, Miss Lin!" The security guard stumbled over my name. "You're not authorized—"

"Check again," I smiled sweetly. "I believe you'll find I'm still on the board of directors."

"But Mr. Reid said—"

"Mr. Reid is in federal custody, isn't he?" I arched an eyebrow. "Now, my credentials, please."

His face paled as he verified his tablet. Success—in the chaos of Alexander's arrest, no one had thought to revoke my access.

The executive floor was pandemonium. SEC agents combed through files while shell-shocked employees huddled in corners, whispering behind their hands.

"Clara!" Jessica's voice rang out. "You have no right to be here!"

I turned slowly, savoring her disheveled appearance. "Hello, bestie. Love the outfit—orange jumpsuit next, perhaps?"

"You vindictive bitch," she hissed. "You've ruined everything!"

"No, darling. You did that yourself." I stepped closer, dropping my voice. "How's it feel, knowing everyone knows what you really are?"

"At least I know who I am," she spat. "You're nothing but a—"

"Is there a problem here?" Nathan's voice cut through the tension. He appeared beside me, radiating authority.

Jessica's eyes widened. "Mr. Chen, I didn't realize—"

"Miss Stevens, I believe the federal agents would like to speak with you." His tone left no room for argument. "Now."

She scurried away, throwing one last venomous glance over her shoulder.

"My hero," I said dryly. "Though I had it handled."

"I know." He guided me toward Alexander's office. "But I enjoy watching you work."

The office was exactly as I remembered it—pretentious art, expensive furniture, and enough secrets to destroy an empire. My target was the hidden safe behind his Picasso.

"The combination changed yesterday," Nathan said, watching me approach the painting.

I smiled. "No, it didn't. Alexander's too arrogant to think anyone would dare."

The safe opened with our wedding date. Inside lay what I needed: documentation of his dealings with the Malaysian cartel.

"The Malaysian connection," Nathan mused. "How did you know?"

"I have my sources." I perched on the desk, enjoying his questioning look. "Now, about that partnership..."

"My terms have changed." He moved closer, his presence overwhelming. "I want more than just a business arrangement."

"And what makes you think you deserve more?"

His finger traced my jawline. "Because you fascinate me, Clara. You're not what you seem."

"Neither are you."

"True." His hand cupped my face. "We could be magnificent together."

Before I could respond, alarms blared through the building.

Nathan's phone buzzed. His face hardened as he read the message.

"Alexander's escaped federal custody," he said grimly. "And he's coming here."

"Impossible," I whispered. "The security—"

"Was compromised." He pulled me toward the door. "We need to move. Now."

"The files—"

"Leave them." His grip tightened. "Your life matters more."

"Since when?"

His eyes met mine, intense and unfathomable. "Since you walked into my life and turned everything upside down."

The elevator dinged down the hall. Nathan pulled me into the stairwell just as gunshots rang out.

"Trust me?" he asked, holding out his hand.

I took it without hesitation. "Do I have a choice?"

His smile was fierce. "There's always a choice."

We ran, and I realized I was no longer sure who was playing whom in this dangerous game.

But I was definitely enjoying finding out.