“This is Mr. Elias Graves,” Julianna Vane said over the speakerphone. “He’s the best efficiency consultant in the city. If you want to streamline Croft Enterprises after the transition, he’s your man.”
Victoria sat at the head of the boardroom table, looking at the man standing before her. Elias Graves was nondescript–gray suit, gray hair, glasses. He looked like part of the furniture.
“We usually handle our audits internally,” Victoria said, her hand resting subconsciously on her stomach under the table.
“A fresh set of eyes, Mrs. Croft,” Elias said, his voice mild. “The shareholders are nervous about the new leadership. An external stamp of approval on your workflow would calm the market.”
It was a trap. Victoria knew it. But refusing an “efficiency audit” would look like she had something to hide.
“Fine,” Victoria agreed. “You have access to the operational floors. But stay out of the executive suite.”
“Of course,” Elias nodded.
Ten minutes later, Elias was alone in a temporary office. He pulled out a sleek, black phone and dialed.
“I’m in,” he said.
“Good,” Julianna Vane’s voice purred in his ear. “Watch her schedule. I want to know every time she cancels a meeting, every time she asks for water instead of coffee, and every time she disappears to the restroom. If she’s pregnant, I want the date of conception before the baby has a heartbeat.”