ke

y soul in that great hall-from the chefs behind the steam-tables to the engineers clutching the

of your senses?" he breathed, a frantic, desperate sound. "What is this talk? You must go to Mr. Bishop

ut a sound of pure derision, a dry, rasping little cough

tic bluff of a creature brought to bay. "'Dad'?" she echoed, her voice a study in mockery. "Did you

afflicted with delusions. Do you comprehend where you stand? This is Bishop Innovations. Even if you w

fixed upon the large digital clock mounted on the far wall

fool. He is in the process of securing the contract of a lifetime, whilst you are dow

no doubt to make the call herself, the main

tie was wrenched to one side, his face was pallid and filmed with sweat, and his eyes were wide with a franti

. This woman, she is utterly mad. She terminated our call and began to sp

her touch, her voice. His gaze was locked upon me, a m

lephone call?" he asked, his voice strain

it was entering through the doors. Lena, my father's executive assistant, a woman whose quiet influence outw

er path straight and true, ig

risp and imbued with a profound r

le tremor through the assembly. Connor's face

forth and, with a flick of my wrist, sent it skimming across the polished floor.

over page was star

P DISSOLUTION AND ASSET

not loud, but it carried across the ca

went rigid. "Bla

.. little saviour may have this company. You may have

he words tearing from his throat. "You k

her coffee? A friend who assaults them and feels no remorse? A friend who possesses a senior executive's keycard and a cha

r fortunes, let out a strangled gasp. "Shaw? You... you are

ismissive. "I am precisely who I have always been.

ng his own foundation crumble to dust. I did not address him, but rath

trust his legal team flagged the Ape

ce call with the board. They are discussing the immediate withdrawal of all ShawCorp fund

He staggered back a step. "Withdrawal? No... Blake, you c

simple fact. "You ruined it when you chose to protect a woman who thrives on the humili

was cold as stone. "This is your next meeting," I said. "It begins in five minutes. You have two options. Sign the dissolution, and salvage what remains of yo