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The last syllable of Khloe’s toast hung in the air, tasting of sour champagne and reckless vanity. Six hundred people—investors, philanthropists, board members, and society columnists—held their collective breath. They had come to celebrate the annual Founders’ Gala for Hayes Dynamics, anticipating a pleasant evening of quiet networking and charitable donations. Instead, they had just witnessed a public execution of professional etiquette. / Chapter 22 / 30

Chapter 22 - Landing in ZurichThe alpine mist clung tightly to the glass facade of the Whitmore-Vance European headquarters in Zurich as our private helicopter touched down on the rooftop helipad.

Director Henrik Lindqvist—who had been demoted and placed under strict legal surveillance following the Singapore exploit months prior—was waiting by the elevator doors, flanked by two compliance officers.

"Madam Chairwoman," Henrik said, his voice tight with nervous subordination as he bowed his head. "The board is assembled in the obsidian conference room. Lord Sterling has already arrived with his legal counsel."

"Has he?" Victoria stepped out of the helicopter, her charcoal coat sweeping against the pavement with quiet authority. "Tell Lord Sterling that he will wait twenty minutes. Punctuality is a virtue he clearly forgot to inherit."

Henrik swallowed hard and nodded, rushing off to deliver the message.

Marcus fell into step beside Victoria as they walked toward the private elevator. "Making an eighty-year-old corporate dinosaur wait in an antechamber? That’s going to sting his ego."

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The heavy mahogany door of the dressing room seemed to close in on us, trapping the suffocating tension inside. Richard’s hands were shaking as he clutched the small, tarnished silver pendant. His knuckles were bone-white.

The heavy mahogany door of the dressing room seemed to close in on us, t...

The heavy silver fork slipped from my fingers, clattering sharply against the gold-rimmed porcelain of my dinner plate.

The heavy silver fork slipped from my fingers, clattering sharply agains...

The heavy mahogany door of the Fairmont Copley suite clicked shut with a muffled, expensive thud.

The heavy mahogany door of the Fairmont Copley suite clicked shut with a...

"Ego is a luxury for people who aren't about to lose their remaining assets, Marcus," Victoria replied smoothly. "Let him sit in that room and listen to the ticking clock. It will remind him who actually owns the building."

Inside the elevator, Victoria checked her reflection in the polished steel panel. Her expression was completely composed, carved from the same unyielding stone as the institution she represented. She was ready.

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