He had succeeded so well that I was a stranger in the lobby of the company my own connections had helped him climb.

Bianca, by contrast, had become a minor celebrity in the building.

A little cluster of junior staff stood around her desk asking about wedding dresses as I passed.

“We haven’t set an official date yet,” she was saying, all modesty and radiance — until she saw me, and stiffened.

I walked straight past her toward Spencer’s corner office.

She moved to follow, and his executive assistant stepped smoothly into her path.

“The meeting is private, Bianca.”