Chapter 7 - ADRIAN'S CONDITION
Adrian met Nora and Evelyn at a neutral office, not at the Halcyon. His attorney, Marcus Reed, attended as well.
Nora had expected a powerful man to take charge of the meeting. Instead, Adrian asked Evelyn what she needed from him and listened while she explained the evidence requirements.
“We may need a sworn statement from your security manager,” Evelyn said. “And confirmation that the footage was not edited.”
“That's reasonable,” Marcus replied. “We'll provide the preservation record and the original export.”
Nora looked at Adrian.
“Why are you doing this?”
He folded his hands.
“Because Julian has tried to intimidate people in my building before. I ignored it once, and I shouldn't have.”
“What happened?”
“An employee reported that one of Northline's contractors had threatened him over a payment dispute. I treated it as a business disagreement. The employee left. Later, I learned there had been more to it.”
“Is that why you stopped Julian?”
“Partly. Mostly because you said no.”
Nora looked down.
Adrian continued.
“I won't pretend I have clean hands in every business matter. I have competed hard. I've made decisions people disliked. But I won't help someone use my building to trap another person.”
Evelyn asked about Northline's property dealings. Adrian answered only what he could verify and offered to have his legal team identify public records.
After the meeting, Nora walked with him to the lobby.
“Are you always this careful?”
“Not always.”
“Then why now?”
“Because you need room to make your own decisions. If I start telling you what to do, I'm just another man trying to take control.”
She studied his face.
“Do you know Julian well?”
“Enough to know he dislikes being told no.”
“Does he fear you?”
Adrian gave a faint smile.
“He dislikes uncertainty more than he fears anyone.”
Nora considered that.
“I'm afraid of what he'll do next.”
“You should take the threats seriously. But fear doesn't mean you have to surrender your choices. Keep your safety plan. Let your lawyer handle the property documents. Let the authorities handle the threats.”
He paused.
“And if you want me out of this, say so. I'll respect it.”
Nora nodded.
“I don't want you out of it yet.”
May you like
“Then I'll stay available.”
It was the first promise anyone had made her in months that did not come with a demand.
