Page 60 of Dark Seduction
Lev chuckles lightly, shaking his head. “I don’t think we need to go that far,” he says, dismissing the idea with a wave of his hand.
Turning to me, Lev’s expression softens. “Is the apology sufficient?”
I pause, weighing the fear and remorse on Claude’s face against the anger and betrayal I’ve felt. Finally, I say, “Yes.”
His apology seemed genuine, and while it doesn’t undo the past, it's a step. Lev nods in agreement, satisfied with the outcome.
Claude, still on his knees, looks up at Lev with a hopeful expression. "Have I done everything you want?"
"Not quite," Lev responds coolly. He glances around the luxurious interior of the store. "We still need to discuss the payment Dalia deserves for the sale of her designs." His gaze then fixes back on Claude. "A nice place like this must keep good records, right, Claude?"
Claude swallows hard, nodding. "Yes, indeed we do.”
"Excellent," Lev says. "Where are they?"
"In the back," Claude responds quickly.
"Very good," Lev replies. He turns to Vanya, who's been quietly observing from the side. "I want you to go back with Claude and find all of the records for every piece of Dalia’s that have been sold."
Lev then looks at Claude. “Do you understand what to do?”
"Yes, sir," Claude says, a bit of relief in his voice as he stands. He leads the way to the back of the store, Vanya following closely behind.
As they disappear into the back, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
Lev turns to me with a concerned expression. "You alright?"
"I'm fine. In fact, I'm enjoying this more than I would've guessed."
"Good," Lev replies with a hint of amusement.
"Just make sure not to shoot him," I add.
Just then, Vanya and Claude return, Claude clutching a manila envelope in his hands. He offers it to Lev dutifully. Lev takes the envelope, his expression turning serious again as he startsto sift through the contents. He lets out a low whistle, clearly impressed or perhaps shocked by the numbers. After a moment, he closes the folder decisively.
"Here's what we're going to do," he begins, laying out his plan. "The prices that these pieces sold at are what you owe Dalia. We'll subtract that amount from the combined cost of the tennis bracelet and the engagement ring."
He then turns to me, his eyes questioning. "Anything else catch your eye?"
Scanning the display, my gaze lands on a stunning pair of elegant diamond earrings, featuring a large teardrop central diamond surrounded by a halo of smaller stones set in white gold.
"Those earrings," I say, pointing them out.
Claude groans audibly, a sound of pure despair, as he sees where this is heading.
"Box them up," Lev instructs firmly, "then give me a total."
Claude is resigned and does as he’s told. He boxes the earrings then returns to his calculator. His face goes pale as he runs the numbers, the reality of the financial hit setting in.
"I owe you twelve-thousand dollars," he announces, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Do you have that kind of cash on hand?”
Claude nods. “Yes, I haven’t gone to the bank to make a deposit yet today.”
“Give it to Vanya.”
Claude again goes to the back then returns with an envelope, handing it to Vanya. Lev turns to Vanya with a final instruction. "Confirm it’s all there then split the money among the staff for their trouble.