Everyone Thought the Millionaire Was Paralyzed—Until He Stood Up at His Own Banquet and Exposed the Woman Who Betrayed Him!

Near the kitchen doors, a server named Denise caught Maya's sleeve. "Those men have been downstairs all night," she whispered. "They told us not to use the freight elevator."

"Did you see them take somebody?"

Denise nodded. "He was asking for Mr. Whitmore. I heard one guard tell him that dead men ought to stay quiet."

Maya thanked her, knowing Denise might be the only other witness brave enough to say it again.

Julian didn't run. His legs could barely hold him.

Maya slid an arm around his waist before his knees gave out. "Sit down. Right now."

"No." His voice cracked. "Not until I know what's happening."

Vivian crossed the ballroom so fast that the hem of her gown caught beneath a chair. "Julian! Sweetheart, you'll hurt yourself."

"I thought I was already hurt."

The crowd hushed. Graham lowered his glass. He wore the expression of a man working out which lie might still survive.

"Your recovery is wonderful," Vivian said. "A miracle."

"Then why did you tell someone not to let me stand?"

Her face changed. Not much. Just enough for Maya to recognize the calculation behind her eyes.

"He has been confused lately," Vivian told the guests. "His new treatment can do that."

Julian looked at Maya. "You said service elevator. Take me there."

The first step nearly dropped him. The second was better. By the third, he was moving with Maya's support, away from the cameras and toward the kitchen's swinging doors.

Behind them, Vivian snapped, "Security!"

A guard blocked the passage. Maya recognized him: Cole Mercer, a former police officer who had once escorted her out after she reported missing wages.

"Guests only," Cole said.

"I'm not a guest," Maya answered. "I work here."

Cole reached for Julian's arm. Julian's silver watch flashed against the guard's sleeve.

"Touch me," Julian said, "and you'll have to explain it to every camera in that room."

Cole stepped aside.

Inside the kitchen, chefs froze over steaming pans. Maya found the service elevator standing open. A blood-specked white napkin lay on the floor. Next to it was a key card marked SUBLEVEL 3.

Julian picked it up. "There isn't a third sublevel on the plans."

Maya stared at the card. "Then why does this open one?"