“Keep him in the lobby,” I told him. “Don’t let him past security. I’m coming in.”

Chapter 3 — The Chairwoman

I changed out of my “poor widow” cardigan into a tailored navy-blue Armani suit.

I had my driver bring the armored Bentley to the back of the house, far from prying eyes, and we sped toward downtown Charlotte.

At the towering glass skyscraper of Holloway Global, I came in through the private underground garage, took the executive elevator to the mezzanine, and stood behind a frosted glass partition overlooking the grand lobby.

There was Liam Vance.

The arrogant, untouchable golden boy of Charlotte’s elite was sweating through his bespoke suit, practically shouting at the front-desk receptionist.