I did not scream. I did not hurl insults, smash crystal, or offer Evelyn Bennett the spectacle she so desperately craved.

Even with Richard and Sterling facing long prison terms before sentencing, I knew someone inside my organization had helped them access Riverridge Manor's guest list and floor plans for the gala.

That night, back in my private study at Riverridge, I called a meeting with my inner circle: my executive assistant, my head of security Marcus, and my head of domestic staff, a woman named Clara who had been with me for three years.

"Someone gave Sterling Vance the security bypass codes to the West Wing," I said, setting my teacup down on the mahogany desk. "That person is in this room."

Clara dropped her head, her hands shaking violently.

"Clara?" Marcus whispered, staring at her in disbelief. "You?"

Clara fell to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably. "Ms. Vance! Please forgive me! I didn't mean to! Mrs. Evelyn Bennett... she came to my home three weeks ago. She showed me photos of my son in college... she threatened to have him beaten by loan sharks if I didn't give her the security layouts!"

I looked at Clara, my expression solemn. Evelyn had used blackmail to force my own staff against me.

"Where are the loan sharks, Clara?" I asked quietly.

"In... in Richmond," Clara sobbed. "My son owed fifty thousand dollars from gambling... Evelyn paid the debt and held the contract over my head!"

I stood up, walked over to Clara, and helped her up from the floor.

"You should have come to me, Clara," I said gently. "I would have paid your son's debt in five minutes and protected him."

"I was ashamed!" Clara wept. "I thought you would fire me!"

"Marcus," I turned to my head of security. "Send a team to Richmond. Clear Clara's son's debt completely and ensure those loan sharks are turned over to state police. As for Clara... she is suspended without pay for thirty days, after which she will be reassigned to our New York office."