Page 125 of My Husband’s New Fiancée

Friday, December 23

I have a meeting with Bianca this morning.

We used to go over the most important files together so we could coordinate before board meetings.

Looking back, what I realize most is just how much access that gave her to sensitive information.

This time, we’re playing by my rules.

“Any news about the cyberattack?” she asks as soon as she walks into my office.

“No. According to Valeria, they cut the connection too early.”

“You don’t have direct access to the information?”

“No.”

At my apparent frustration, a subtle tension leaves her shoulders.

Almost imperceptible. But I see it.

I decide to push further.

“I’ve taken some time to reconsider Valeria’s return from another angle.”

Bianca lifts her eyes to me.

“What do you mean?”

“This attack happening right after her return… the timing is suspicious.”

I pause briefly.

“What if the encryption attempt, the empty files, and the trackers were just a way to divert attention?”

Bianca stays silent for a second.

Too long.

“You think she could be connected to the hackers?”

Her tone is controlled, but something in her gaze hardens.

Suspicion? Or hope?

“I’m not ruling out any possibility.”

She lowers her eyes to the documents in front of her, as if thinking it over.

“That would make sense,” she finally murmurs. “She knew better than anyone how valuable this research was.”

I watch her carefully.

No obvious sign of nervousness.

Nothing that resembles panic.

Bianca lies with remarkable composure.