Lena stood. “So am I.”

Chapter 7 — Another Layer

During the drive into Manhattan, Adrian did not ask whether her decision meant forgiveness. For the first time, he understood that cooperation was not reconciliation.

Clare Ashton was waiting in a conference room when they arrived, her face pale, trying to hold a professional expression. “I don’t know what this is about.”

Lena laid copies of the planted files in front of her. Clare stared at them.

“Crestwood told you this was an intelligence test,” Lena said. “They said they were evaluating weaknesses inside Voss Holdings. They promised you a position when the operation ended.”

Clare’s eyes filled. “I never wanted anyone hurt.”