CHAPTER 7: Leonard's Voice

Vanessa's phone rang. The screen showed Father. She answered with shaking fingers and, at Adrian's quiet nod, put it on speaker.
"Vanessa," Leonard Hartwell said, impatient and smooth. "Are you on the flight? I need you to charm Cole's people before I arrive. Our situation is delicate."
Vanessa looked at Maya. "Dad, did you know Maya Reed was really Maya Whitmore?"
The pause on the line was enough.
"Where are you?" Leonard asked.
"In the business lounge. With her. And Adrian Cole."
His breath changed. "Do not say anything else."
Maya leaned toward the phone. "Hello, Mr. Hartwell."
Silence.
Then Leonard gave a dry little laugh. "So the little maid found herself a powerful husband. Congratulations."
Adrian's voice remained low. "Careful."
Maya placed a hand on Adrian's arm. "Let him speak. Men like him confess when they think cruelty is still power."
Leonard's tone hardened. "Your father was weak. He trusted the wrong people. Business punishes weakness."
Maya went pale, but she did not move.
"Thank you," Adrian said.
Leonard stopped breathing for a beat.
On the phone screen, a small red dot glowed. The call was being legally recorded through the airline's security complaint system after Vanessa entered the lounge without authorization.
For the first time, Leonard Hartwell had run out of charm.