Donovan Bell let out a quiet laugh, but the warmth drained from his expression in an instant. His gaze sharpened, cutting through the room like a blade drawn from its sheath. "Go after it with everything you have. Tear it wide open. I want the truth dragged into broad daylight, under a clear sky."
Ambrose Ward straightened, squaring his shoulders as the weight of that mandate settled over him. He met Donovan's eyes without flinching, then turned briefly toward Cliff Crawford, who sat with his arms folded, his expression unreadable but approving.
"You have my word," Ambrose said, his voice low and steady. "Secretary Bell, Secretary Crawford, we will commit every resource at our disposal. A deep and thorough probe, conducted at maximum speed, until the truth is laid bare and Lakeport Devel
