“Then the assistant made a mistake,” she said, stepping in closer.

“Leave now before you humiliate yourself any further.”

The heavy oak door behind the desk swung open, and Thomas Bellamy came out with a thin manila folder tucked under his forearm.

He had on a dark blue suit with narrow lapels, and his silver hair was combed straight back with perfect symmetry.

“Good morning, Mrs.

Ashford,” Thomas said, his voice flat and measured.

“Ms.