Still, Darla’s authority pressed heavy. “What are you waiting for?” she barked. “She’s trespassing and interfering in company business. Throw her out immediately.”
They shifted awkwardly, glancing at one another, then at me. My smile widened. “You’re hesitating. Why?” I said in a more teasing voice.
One guard cleared his throat. “Vice President, with respect… if she truly came under Mr. Rowan’s orders—”
“Enough!” Darla snapped, cutting him off. Her voice rose, sharp with desperation. “Do you think I would not know his business better than some girl off the street? She’s nothing. Get rid of her before I—”
“Before you what?”
The voice cut across hers, steady, unhurried, but carrying authority like a blade sliding free of its sheath. Every head turned.
It was a man I recog
