The next morning, the office was abuzz with a frantic, nervous energy. Julian had called a mandatory all-hands meeting at 9:00 AM sharp to announce the "expansion of Vance Architecture's global footprint."

Clara stood near the back of the conference room, holding a clipboard, playing her role to pe

That evening, the penthouse apartment Clara shared with Julian smelled of expensive catered food and lies.

It was their fifth wedding anniversary.

"To us, darling," Julian said, raising a crystal flute of vintage champagne. He was dressed in a velvet smoking jacket, looking every inch the devote

The heavy mahogany door to Victor Sterling’s office clicked shut, sealing Clara inside a room that smelled of old money, fresh espresso, and impending corporate bloodshed.

Victor was standing by the window, looking out over the Manhattan skyline. He didn’t turn around when she entered. He just too