Download complete.
Adi snatched the USB from the port as Ranielle threw the door open. A lifetime of living with Symphony had Adi’s body reacting without conscious thought.
Get rid of the evidence.
He went to slide the USB into his pocket. Only when he heard it drop on the carpet did he remember he wasn’t wearing his favorite jeans.
“What the hell are you doing?” Ranielle said.
“Admiring your desk.” Adi searched for the USB with his tennis shoe. “Is this mahogany?”
Ranielle’s nostrils flared as Symphony walked in behind her. “Is annoying me a hereditary trait?”
Ohcrap. The folder was still open.
“Uh—not sure that’s been scientifically proven,” said Adi. “But either way, you’re going to have to tolerate me a while longer.” He spread his arms. “Congratulations! I’ve decided to take you up on your offer.”
Ranielle’s eyebrows flew up.
Symphony planted her hands on her hips. “No, Aditya, you and I must discuss—”
“There’s nothing to discuss. I’ve made up my mind. Ranielle, we have a deal. Adi Parvesh, cohost ofThe Escape Game, starting season six.”
Seeing the look on his mother’s face made the whole selling-his-soul thing almost worthwhile.
“Well,” said Ranielle, her shoulders sinking visibly. “That’s excellent to hear. Truly excellent.”
He thought he’d overdone it, but clearly Ranielle’s mind was buzzing with things like Hitflix deals and annoying celebrities. And murder.
Adi dragged the USB toward him as Ranielle turned to Symphony. “Our business here is concluded. And I wasn’t joking about calling security.”
Symphony’s face reddened. “I will be discussing this with my people.AndVictor.”
Adi’s pulse jolted.
He was tempted to call out as Symphony stomped from the room, but instead he used Ranielle’s distraction to exit the folder that contained everything she had about Victor’s resort.
As the door slammed closed, Adi bent for the USB but had to jump up again as Ranielle turned back to him. “I’m glad you and I could come to an agreement.” She moved around the desk, ushering Adi to the other side so she could reclaim her office chair. “I trust you’ll take the extra assistance, then.”
“I’ll—what?” Adi’s thoughts shifted away from the USB lying beside Ranielle’s fancy pointed heels.
“I told you. I don’t have losers on my staff. You’ll take the cheats, and your team will win the season.”
Adi hesitated.
“What’s the matter?” Ranielle said. “You don’t think your team deserves a million dollars?” Her face soured. “Or are you still agonizing over your integrity?”
She said the word “integrity” like it was something to be ashamed of. But there was a satisfaction to defeating each room, each challenge, using his own skills. His and his team’s.
And if it ever came out that he’d cheated, what would his father think?
“You believe your team can win on their own?” Her lips curved into a tight smile. “You’ve barely been clinging on each week. And knowing what I do about Team Dread’s next move, you don’t want to walk out of here without the advantage.”
Damn Team Dread.Anothersnag. They were so focused on Helsing when Mind Hack had clearly been the stronger competitor.
Adi flinched when he realized what he’d thought.
Team Dread had won every round. Mind Hack was a stronger competitor.
