The engine of the armored Maybach roared like a caged beast as Arthur tore through the rain-slicked streets of the financial district. The city lights blurred into streaks of neon against the tinted windows, but Clara’s focus remained entirely on the GPS glowing on the dashboard.

"Take the next lef

The Grand Atrium was a blinding sea of camera flashes and glaring studio lights. The cavernous hall, usually reserved for global summits and charity galas, was packed shoulder-to-shoulder with journalists, bloggers, and corporate vultures.

At the center of the chaos stood Serena Vance.

She grippe

The heavy oak doors of the press hall shuddered against the walls, the violent echo silencing the room instantly. The collective gasp of fifty seasoned journalists sucked the air from the cavernous space. Camera shutters ceased. Whispers died in throats.

Down the center aisle walked Clara Vance, h