Chapter 12 - The Intruder in the HallDaniel’s heart hammered against his ribs like a caged bird. How had the stranger bypassed the primary firewall code? That code was encrypted, known only to him and a high-security private server.
Unless... someone inside the federal cyber-division had leaked it, or Vanessa had a backdoor installed before her arrest.
The front heavy oak door gave a soft, almost imperceptible click as it unlatched from the outside. The latch slid back with agonizing slowness.
Daniel gripped the heavy brass candlestick tighter, his knuckles turning stark white, planting his feet firmly around the corner of the grand staircase vestibule.
The door creaked open, admitting a slender, towering silhouette draped in a long trench coat. The intruder stepped silently onto the imported marble flooring of the foyer, pausing to listen. A faint scent drifted through the air—expensive sandalwood cologne mixed with the damp chill of the night.
"I know you're standing by the stairs, Daniel," a smooth, cultured voice cut through the silence. It wasn't Vanessa’s voice. It was a man's voice—calm, confident, and utterly chilling.
Daniel didn't flinch. He lunged out from the shadow of the staircase, swinging the heavy brass candlestick in a vicious arc aimed directly at the intruder's head.
With blinding speed, the man ducked under the swing, pivoting on his heel and driving a sharp, calculated palm strike directly into Daniel’s solar plexus.
The wind was knocked out of Daniel in an explosive gasp. He stumbled backward, crashing hard against the ornate mahogany console table and sending a decorative crystal vase shattering across the floor.
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The intruder stepped forward, flicking on a sleek silver lighter. In the small flame, a sharp jawline, piercing grey eyes, and a cold, unbothered smirk materialized.
"Is that any way to greet an old business partner?" Julian Vance asked smoothly, snapping the lighter shut.
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