Chapter 017

Shadows of Corruption

"Mrs. Fernandez?" The voice behind her drew her back to reality. Elena, the urban planner she had befriended weeks ago, came up to her, a look of concern etched on her face. "I think there is something you need to see."

The California sun beat down relentlessly onto the site of Fernandez Holdings' newest project. Isabelle shielded her eyes, looking out over the activity, her hand unconsciously resting on her now-prominent baby bump.

The heat and physical discomfort of advancing pregnancy couldn't detract her from the sense of purpose she felt here among the scaffolding and heavy machinery.

Isabelle followed Elena to a quieter part of the site, away from all the noise and prying ears. "What is going on?" She noted the etched worry on her friend's face.

Elena hesitated before she pulled out a folder. "I've gone over the bidding documents for this project, something doesn't feel right. Look at these figures."

She wasn't halfway through the papers when her brow furro