And transformed himself back into the polished man who had controlled boardrooms for fifteen years.

“This is a private marital disagreement,” he told Halcyon’s chief security officer. “My wife is emotional.”

Then the company’s general counsel walked into the hallway.

Martin Caldwell.

Richard smiled with visible relief.

“Martin. Thank God.”

Martin didn’t smile.

“Richard, I need your building credentials.”

Everything stopped.

Richard stared at him.

“You’re joking.”

“No.”

Martin’s voice remained calm.

“Effective immediately, you’re being placed on administrative leave while the company completes its investigation.”

Daniel quietly stepped backward.

Martin turned toward him.

“You as well.”

Daniel’s face changed.

“This is ridiculous.”

Claire answered:

“Questions involving falsified vendor certifications are not ridiculous.”

Richard looked at me as though I had personally betrayed him.

“You planned this.”

“I planned an investigation.”

I held his gaze.

“What happened tonight was your decision.”

His voice rose.

“You set me up!”

Then, for the first time, one of the junior managers spoke.

“No, sir.”

Everyone turned.

Her name was Maya Collins.

Twenty-eight years old.

Procurement analyst.

Richard barely knew she existed.