w Orleans skyline, but inside, the tension was thick enough to choke on. At the head of the long obsidian table sat Tom Gordonis, r

steps were measured, echoing softly on the polished marble floor. He wore the same dark suit. The

le he could not sustain. "Mr.

l we?" His voice was smooth, each word precise. "I have reviewed the compa

He had hoped, feared, but still

ent is generous. Very generous. But it comes with cond

f course. I'm rea

perational control over all Gordonis assets. This includes overseas hol

ghed. Tom's pulse quickened. He had expected oversight

power. On any decision, at any level. This veto extends to

his head toward Angela, who watc

as my personal liaison.... my eyes and ears within this company. She

's face drained of color. She stared at Don A

voice tight. "But this-

le. "Mr. Gordonis," he said icily, "let me remind you of your position.

e board members shifted uncomfortably. Angel

lid it across the table. "Sign here," he said, tapping the signature line.

d to a stranger. His chest tightened. He picked up the pen with trembling fingers

He closed the folder, stood, and collected his aides.

gravity of his capitulation

-

lights stretched her shadow across the polished floor. She had watched the boardroom

arsed no words, no questions. N

ked soft

man who had saved her father's life...

he said,

m was empty, save for Tom's desk and two leather

reath. "I... I want

o her. He crossed hi

ric... I can't do it," she said, voice trembli

air. "Hermosa, you knew this would be t

im free rein over the company. Over y

all the power now, not me. He sets the rule

emples. "But I can't work unde

hardened. "

is eyes. He had saved her father's life, paid off debts, perhaps even covered

ftly. "And you owe this company, your family nam

r options had closed like trap doors. She no

ction, then hardened his fa

e, feeling the wal

-

pe sealed with a silver crest she recognized immediately: Don A

as a ter

Rodr

long business trip to Zurich. Just the two of us. Pre

D.

ught. One week. Abr

nditions, Tom's threats, and now this. She was cau

the cool wood of her d

rol were clear, and th