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A small, sleek object.

A flash drive.

My pulse spikes. Liam notices at the same time I do, his body going still beside me.

Vanessa closes her fingers around it, then slips it into the folds of her dress.

19

LIAM

Vanessa's fingers curl around the flash drive like it's a winning hand in a poker game. Her expression remains unreadable, the perfect picture of control, but I see the glint of satisfaction in her eyes. Whatever's on that drive is important to her.

I glance at Tyler, who's already shifting beside me, his posture all loose confidence and calculated amusement.

"Tell me we're not leaving without that," he mutters.

I roll my shoulders, eyes still locked on Cliff. "Oh, we're getting it."

Tyler replies with a boyish grin. "Good. Because I'd hate to have put on a suit for nothing."

Cliff is already moving toward the exit, his head ducked low, shoulders hunched like he can disappear into the crowd. Idiot. Does he really think he's getting out of here without a conversation?

I exchange another glance with Tyler, and we move.

The second we cut him off, Cliff freezes. It's almost funny how quickly the bravado drains from his face.

"Cliff," I say smoothly, stepping in front of him. "Nice night for a party, isn't it?"

His gaze moves between me and Tyler, fingers twitching at his sides. "I don't know what you?—"

Tyler sighs dramatically. "Come on, man. Don't waste our time with the whole who, me? routine."

Cliff swallows, glancing toward the back exit. I see the exact moment he considers running. His knees bend, his weight shifts?—

I grab him by the front of his shirt and shove him against the nearest wall before he can even think about bolting.

He lets out a startled grunt. "Jesus, man."

I lean in, voice calm. "Tell me what's on that drive."

Cliff shakes his head, trying for casual, but his voice wobbles. "I just do what I'm paid to do, alright? Vanessa told me to?—"

I apply a little more pressure. "Try again."

His breath stutters. "It's–It's financial records, blackmail material. I don't know the details, alright? But Vanessa—she's been collecting information for months. On you. On Ava. On her brothers." His voice drops lower. "On everyone."

Beside me, Tyler whistles. "Damn. She really doesn't do things halfway."

I ignore him, my grip tightening. "So why did she need you tonight?"

Cliff licks his lips. "She wanted it secure. Said she didn't trust digital transfers. Something about a backup plan."

I share a look with Tyler. This just got interesting.

Tyler grins. "Alright, now be a good little minion and go get that drive back for us."

Cliff's eyes widen. "What?"