Chapter 5 - The Test
"What if I told you," Adrian started, stepping closer, "that the billionaire owner isn't actually who you think he is?"
Grace let out a sharp, bitter laugh. "He's exactly what I think he is. A cold corporate machine. He doesn't see us as humans. If I collapsed and died on these marble floors tomorrow, he'd have my uniform cleaned and given to someone else by noon."
Adrian stared at her, absorbing every harsh word. She was entirely right, and the realization stung worse than any business failure he had ever experienced.
"I have a proposition," Adrian said carefully. "I work for people who investigate corporate corruption. If you help me document the way Sterling abuses his power and steals from the estate budget, I can make sure he's exposed."
Grace looked at him with deep suspicion. "Why should I trust a vagrant? You could be anyone."
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"Because I know how to pay for good information," Adrian said, pulling a crisp hundred-dollar bill from his coat lining—real money he had kept hidden. "This is for the fruit, the sweater, and your time. If you can get me proof that Sterling is embezzling funds, I can get you much more."
Grace stared at the money, torn between caution and desperation. She finally reached out and took it. "Fine. But if this blows up in my face, I'm denying I ever saw you."
