ittering ballroom. Gone were the chandeliers and soft candlelight; here it was all glass wa

of the sleek table like he owned the air in the room. He didn't look up from his phone

" he said with

tlefield before the en

"You really do see

use i

and met my eyes. "Then this mo

ng stepped in. He wasn't alone. Marcus Hale - Damian's CFO - tr

and a smile so polished it reflected light. "Ms. Grant, Mr.

oting the absence of coffee or pa

e deepened. "

om me, like a predator settling in for the hunt. Marcus hovered near

ed the market. Investors are nervous. Regulators are circling. The two of you ar

n's voice was mild, bu

es. At a premium, of course. You two keep your titles, your reputat

You mean no independence. You

, Ms. Grant. You'd still be rich. You'd still get

fe," I said coolly. "I

d. "Be careful. P

ement so subtle I almost missed it. "Victor,"

's on my side. I've already spoken to three of

s though he'd been

l th

has traction. If either of you want to m

tomach. Marcus - Damian's rig

e. "Thank you, Marcus," he said

then left. The d

collateral damage. But you don't have to be. Sign with me now and I'll prote

His face was carve

for sale,

harpened. "Ever

t m

Then watch everythin

lap. But before I coul

," he sa

inked. "E

e still calm but carrying an edge lik

was no humor in it. "You t

But the temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees. "Leave

ack his chair and stood, still smiling but his eyes

ee," Dam

t my offer, Ms. Grant. When he dr

e door shutting

quiet. My pulse was

n slowly, steepling

im. "Marcus b

aid. "He's been leaking information

me as bait

eady. "I used us as b

back. "You could

at Marcus differently. He'd have smell

You're unb

he said

d at th

ou," he said. "Even when

out of the room, my heels

trembling. Not from fear, but from fury - and

r one terrifying moment, when he'd stood up to Victor,

e most dangerou