“Gentlemen,” Barrett began, tapping a pointer against the screen.

“This morning, we finalize the acquisition of Whitman Tech Solutions.

This deal raises our valuation by forty percent going into the Q4 offering.”

“Not so fast, Barrett.”

The heavy double doors swung open, and I walked in.

I was wearing a charcoal suit, tailored, the kind I had worn in the years when I closed deals like this one for a living, before a man I loved talked me into folding that woman up and putting her in a drawer.

Corinne came in behind me, and behind her, two senior auditors.