floor of Rothwell Tower. The building hummed quietly around her, security systems, distant conversations and the

ed. The security layout had been studied down to the smallest detail. Even her arrival h

there, someone familiar with the power and wealth that fill

s. Executives sat around the long table, their voices low and c

head of the table, his posture

stepped inside, her calm presence immediately drawing the attention of every person seat

y's eyes

mooth and deliberate. When she reached his side

mly, his voice carrying easily across the

e as several directors exchanged stunned looks. Papers rus

side Jeffery, her smile polite and

rward slowly, studying h

elieve this engagemen

ace. Her expression remained warm, though th

apologize for arriving late. The arrangemen

n did little to

another. A few looked toward Jeffery as if waiting for confirmat

tched the react

t perfectly still, his expression unreadable. While others

ward and examined. The engagement agreement was verified,

gan to settle. The chairman leaned b

ntly, "it appears the do

p her clutch bag

begins now,"

er immediately. There was

ken passed between them in that moment, a silent unders

e added quietly. "This arra

slightly. "And if somethin

ped to a whisper.‎‎

could continue, the boa

, clearly nervous." Mr. Roth

lightly. What does

ophia Rothwell walked into the ro

onfidence. Her sharp eyes moved quickly around the boardroom, tak

d dryly, "this l

Clara.‎ Jeffery exh

heard there was a board meeting today," she said. "

was well known throughout the company. She

estured to

is is Clara.

her eyebrows shot upward.

them, clearly amused.‎ "