Scandal Exposed (The Lust List: Kaidan Stone #4) by Nova Raines, Mira Bailee Page A

these so I can access your information and discuss your concerns today.”
    I hurry up and sign them, aware every second of the giant stolen diamond poking out of my bag. My chest is so tight, I’m afraid I’ll start hyperventilating any minute now.
    “I want my inheritance released to me. Today.”
    “Well, uh. It is a weekend. But let me see.” Jillian pulls up my account, brows furrowed. Her face pales. “Did you know… your investments…” she trails off, eyes wide.
    I lean forward, gripping the armrests of the chair, dread eating a hole in my stomach. “What is it?”
    “Miss Wade. The investments… all the money is gone.”
    My pulse is a dull roar in my ears as I stare at Jillian, uncomprehending. “What do you mean? When? How?”
    “Two weeks ago. You signed off on it when you came in to see Mr. Nordstrom.”
    I feel numb with shock. “How is this possible? Where did it go? You have to get it back!”
    “It’s gone… lost on a bad investment. I’m so sorry.”
    Kaidan was just arrested for embezzlement. And my money is gone. Did Kaidan… No. No I can’t even think it. Or say it. My empty stomach threatens to eject the bile burning a hole in it as I stare at Jillian, not sure what to do next. I committed theft for this, and the proof is in my purse. It was all for nothing.
    I’m broke. For real. Everything my dad saved is gone .
    I have to get out of here. I stumble to my feet. “I must have misunderstood. Thank you.”
    I get out of there fast and keep my head down as I hurry past the FBI guys. The second I’m back outside, tears start streaming down my face.
    The scent of rotten trash from the dumpster turns my stomach even more, and I very nearly collapse right there.
    My inheritance.
    Gone.
    I thought it couldn’t get worse. But it always does.
    I wipe away my tears as I exit to the street, and I jog to my car. When I’m inside, I realize my phone’s vibrating.
    Hands shaking, I tear it from the bag. Unknown Caller.
    “Hello?”
    “Hayley?” a man with a thick Hispanic accent asks.
    “Luis?”
    “Do you have my money?”
    “Yes,” I lie, trying to keep the shaking out of my voice. “Where’s Rowan?”
    “You know we can make people disappear. Try anything , and we will. No cops. No tricks. Just the money.”
    “I have it. Where is my brother?”
    The man shoots off an address and hangs up.
    I recite the address over and over as I enter it into my phone. My GPS brings up the directions. They have Rowan in a bad part of town… and I have to show up without the money I promised.
    I’m so fucked. My only hope is the cops. But by stealing the diamond, I’ve made it so I can’t go to them.
    I start my car and head toward the address. My mind works out a new plan. I may not have money, but I do have payment. I just hope they’ll take it in exchange for Rowan’s release.

The address brings me to a warehouse district on the outskirts of the city. There’s no one walking the streets out here. After a few turns, I don’t see any people and only a few parked cars.
    I take deep, even breaths and clear my mind. No panic attacks this time. Step One: Get my brother back.
    And that’s the only step I need to think about.
    I park alongside the warehouse they’ve directed me to and get out of the car. Adrenaline floods me, giving me a burst of energy. I hold my head high and stride for the door. Luis’s Beefy henchman, Carlos, walks out before I reach it.
    “Ms. Wade,” he says, and holds the door open for me like he’s a fucking doorman at a nice hotel.
    I ignore him and walk inside. There’s real fear coursing through me, but I’m determined not to let them see it this time. My flats squeak against the concrete floor as I follow Carlos down a wide hallway.
    Low voices echo toward us from the very end of it, then a deep male laugh, but Carlos doesn’t lead us there. Instead, he stops at the second metal door and opens it. He shoves me through the doorway, locking it behind