At the office, Warren left a message through his attorney alleging that Vincent had secretly authorized aggressive negotiations in unrelated matters.

Some of those allegations were true.

Vincent instructed Elena not to suppress them and provided the relevant company records to the independent committee.

“I could lose the business,” he told her afterward.

“Yes,” she said.

“I used to think that was the worst thing imaginable.”

“And now?”

He pictured Sophie standing alone outside the auditorium.