The steps of City Hall were bleached white under the midday sun. Scarlett climbed them in her stilettos, and five minutes later, emerged with a faintly troubled expression. The clerk had informed her that an independent audit firm was conducting an additional review of the Hearthlight Initiative's fund allocation. The final certification would take an estimated five business days.
"Someone filed a complaint?" Her knuckles whitened around the strap of her handbag.
"Standard procedure, ma'am." The clerk smiled, his eyes flat behind his glasses. "Nonprofit audits are always stringent. Supplemental reviews are routine."
Scarlett slid into her car. Before starting the engine, she called Octavian.
10 minutes later, the old man sent her a screenshot. An inside contact at City Hall confirmed:
