The heavy steel door of the safe swung open smoothly, revealing the dark compartment inside. Evelyn held her breath, her heart pounding like a loud drum against her chest. She could not believe the lock had opened to her birthday.

In the back of her mind, a soft voice wondered why a cold billionaire like Julian would use her birth date for his most secret vault. But there was no time to ponder that now. The sound of running water in the bathroom was still echoing softly down the hallway, giving her only a few precious minutes.

Evelyn reached her trembling hands inside the cool metal safe.

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