The board members stared down at their polished leather shoes, suddenly very absorbed in their drinks.

“You should go home before you humiliate yourself any further,” Patrick whispered near my cheek, his breath thick with expensive scotch.

“I’m not going anywhere until you explain why Chloe’s signature is on the corporate real estate deeds,” I said, looking past his shoulder at Chloe.

Chloe sipped her sparkling water slowly, smoothing her designer skirt again and avoiding my eyes.

“Security will walk you out of the building if you raise your voice one more time, Serena,” Patrick said, his tone sinking into a flat, dangerous register.