Page 86 of Artifice

“Maybe.” Olive tried not to show her relief.

Tension stretched between them like a wire. In that moment, Olive knew one thing with certainty: Whatever was happening at Lighthouse Harbor was far more dangerous than she’d initially believed.

Director Ingraham cleared her throat. “Perhaps we should move on to the facilities expansion proposal? Ms. Bettencourt, you expressed interest in our renovation plans.”

Olive nodded, her mind racing.

She needed to get out of this room, warn Tevin, and accelerate their investigation before Sheffield could confirm his suspicions.

“Yes.” She forced a smile. “I heard something about some tunnels beneath the east wing. I understand they’re quite . . . extensive.”

The sharp intake of breath from Mrs. Whitmore told Olive she’d hit a nerve.

“Those tunnels are condemned,” Denarau said quickly. “Not part of any renovation plans.”

“Really? That’s good. I was worried when I first heard about them.” She placed a hand over her heart, trying to show her sincerity.

Olive watched everyone’s reactions, carefully noting who flinched, who remained stone-faced, who looked to others for cues. The information was telling—someone was lying.

And Sheffield still watched her, trying to place her.

What would happen now?

CHAPTER 46

The meeting had lasted well into dinner time, and Denarau had said he’d order food for everybody. Right now they had a break to stretch their legs.

That was something Olive could desperately use right now.

Especially as she felt Sheffield’s gaze on her.

If he said something in front of the whole group, then her cover would definitely be blown.

Not to mention the fact that he might be angry with her for what her father had done.

Or maybe he would have answers about her father.

It was hard to say. But she definitely wouldn’t be asking any of those questions right now.

Instead she stepped outside.

For once, it was sunny out here.

She drew in a deep breath.

She glanced around her, noting that no one was close.

Only Mr. Thorne was within her eyesight, and he was on the other side of the property, near the large oak trees.

He seemed to rake those leaves every day.

Which seemed weird considering there were other things that clearly needed to be maintained around this place.

However, Olive had bigger worries at the moment than what this man was doing.

Instead, she grabbed her phone and dialed Tevin’s number.

She needed to know if he had any updates for her.