Julian still believed he was hosting the evening.
Twelve minutes later, that ended.
Arthur placed the first packet before the board.
A loose photograph of the broken glass slid out.
I covered it.
“That stays with the financial exhibits.”
Julian stepped toward us.
“Clara, you are making a serious mistake.”
The chair lifted her hand.
“Mr.
Vance, wait until she finishes.”
I faced the room.
“My name is Clara Sterling.”
Silence.
“I am the controlling owner of Sterling Investment Group.”
A woman at the board table lowered her program.
Julian’s face went still.
Victoria stopped touching her necklace.