Semua Bab The Billionaire I Met On My Worst Night : Bab 41 - Bab 50

The farther Edward and Charlotte moved from the main lodge, the quieter the retreat became. The warm sounds of conversation and clinking glasses faded behind them, replaced by the muted hum of the heating system and the occasional groan of the old timber walls. Edward kept Charlotte close, one hand resting lightly against her back as they approached the west corridor. Two security officers followed several steps behind. Not because Edward wanted to turn Charlotte into a prisoner again. Because this time, neither of them knew what was waiting ahead.Charlotte glanced at the discreet security cameras mounted along the ceiling. "How restricted is this area?""Very." Edward's eyes remained fixed ahead. "This section contains old Stewart Holdings records, executive archives, and private communication facilities. Most guests don't even know it exists."Charlotte frowned. "Then why would a guest have access?""That's what we're about to find out."They reached the end of the corridor. A heav

The elevator doors closed behind Edward and Charlotte, leaving the restricted wing—and the unanswered questions surrounding it—above them.Neither spoke for several seconds.The security officer stood between them, holding the evidence pouch containing the flash drive.Edward finally broke the silence."Kevin needs to examine that somewhere completely isolated from the lodge network."Charlotte nodded."And the transmitter?""Already disabled."She looked at him."But we still don't know who planted it.""No."Edward's jaw tightened."And that's what concerns me most."The elevator began its descent.Charlotte leaned against the mirrored wall, studying him."You think someone inside the retreat is helping whoever is behind this.""I think someone has access they shouldn't have.""That's not the same thing.""No."He looked at her."Which is why I'm not accusing anyone yet."Charlotte nodded.For once, she appreciated his restraint.The elevator opened onto the main floor.The warmth a

For several seconds after Edward finished speaking, no one at the table moved.Beatrice stood beside her chair, the certified copy of the old agreement still in her hands.She had expected embarrassment.Whispers.Questions about Charlotte's motives.Perhaps even doubt about Edward's judgment.Instead, Edward had taken the one weapon she had brought into the room and stripped it of its power.But Beatrice wasn't finished.Her expression hardened."That's a beautiful speech, Edward."Her voice carried easily through the silence."But speeches don't erase legal documents."Edward remained standing."No."His tone was calm."They don't."Beatrice lifted the contract slightly."Then perhaps you should explain to everyone why this agreement existed in the first place."A few guests exchanged glances.William Hills leaned back in his chair, watching carefully.Donald remained completely still.Charlotte could feel the tension in Edward's hand beneath the table.But when Edward spoke again,

For several seconds, nobody moved.Edward stood in the middle of the lounge, Charlotte beside him, while Julian and Beatrice watched him carefully.The night had already stretched far beyond what any of them had expected.The marriage contract had been exposed.The Sander Logistics investigation had resurfaced.The flash drive had disappeared.Julian's phone had been used without his knowledge.And somewhere inside the lodge, someone was still manipulating the security system.Edward finally exhaled."Enough."Charlotte looked at him.He turned toward Kevin's voice coming through the phone."Kevin, shut down every nonessential connection to the private security system."Kevin immediately answered."Understood.""Preserve all existing logs. Don't delete anything.""Yes, sir.""Lock the forensic room and the archive. Nobody accesses either one until morning.""Done."Edward looked toward the security officers."Two men stay outside the security office. Nobody goes in or out without my a

Edward looked at Kevin."Can you track the exact location?"Kevin's fingers moved quickly across the keyboard."Yes."A map of the lodge appeared on the largest monitor.A red dot blinked near the end of the restricted corridor.Kevin zoomed in."Storage room three."Edward's expression hardened."Is that where the Sander Logistics files were kept?""Yes."Charlotte exchanged a glance with him."So whoever is inside is looking for something.""Or trying to remove something," Edward said.Donald tightened his grip on his cane."Then let's stop them."Edward looked at him."Grandfather, stay here."Donald gave him a look."I've already told you I'm not helpless.""I know.""Then stop treating me like I am."Charlotte almost smiled despite the tension.Edward sighed."Fine. But stay behind us."Donald nodded.William remained near the doorway."What about the security officers?"Edward turned to him."Keep them at both ends of the corridor. Nobody enters or leaves."William nodded immedi