How to Tame a Silver Fox – Episode 38
The accelerated gala left them less than three hours to act. Federal agents could freeze the accounts only after confirming that the live transfer matched Caroline’s records. If Sloane moved the money first, years of evidence would dissolve across offshore banks.
Christina volunteered to enter through the main doors. Her family name remained on the guest list, and Sebastian would expect his daughter to return after the pressure of questioning.
“He’ll know you talked,” Harper warned. She could distrust Christina and still recognize the risk she was taking.
“He always knows when I disappoint him.” Christina’s practiced smile returned, but now Harper saw the fear beneath it. “This time I’d like to make it count.”
Maria refused to stay behind as well. After being used as leverage, she wanted control over what came next. She agreed to monitor the gala’s public stream with Cole from a secure room.
Cole had regained enough strength to work, though his wound pulled at him whenever he moved. Evan remained missing, and Cole no longer knew whether finding his father would end the danger or deepen it.
Harper prepared in the apartment while Chris coordinated security. The formal dress she chose was silver, elegant enough for the gala and deliberately unlike the frightened student Christina had humiliated at the party.
Chris entered, then stopped when he saw her. His gaze moved over the dress before discipline returned to his face.
“Security assessment?” Harper asked.
“Completely compromised.” He approached to fasten the transmitter beneath her necklace, his fingers brushing the sensitive skin at her neck.
The new intimacy between them made the smallest contact impossible to dismiss. Harper watched him in the mirror. “Are you regretting the kiss?”
“I regret that danger interrupted what came after.” His answer sent warmth across her skin despite the threat waiting outside.
Mark called again, but this time he asked to speak with Harper rather than ordering Chris away. He had learned about the gala and wanted to join the operation from the hospital.
Harper accepted his help on one condition: he would follow the plan and treat her as part of the team. Mark agreed reluctantly, a small concession after years of control.
At the venue, chandeliers glittered above donors who believed they were funding scholarships. Sebastian greeted Christina near the stage, kissed her cheek, and whispered something that drained the color from her face.
Harper entered on Chris’s arm. Their appearance drew attention for reasons unrelated to the investigation, and she heard guests speculate about the nature of their relationship.
Chris offered to create distance. Harper tightened her hand around his arm instead. She would not let strangers turn shame into another weapon.
Maria reported that the transfer had begun. They had nine minutes to access the foundation server inside Sebastian’s private office.
Christina distracted her father by announcing that she wished to address the donors. As cameras turned toward the stage, Harper and Chris slipped into the restricted corridor.
The office door opened before they reached it. Victor Sloane stepped into the hall, smiling as if welcoming expected guests. “Caroline’s daughter and Collins’s favorite weakness,” he said. “Right on time.”