Chapter 29: The Trap is Set
Tuesday morning arrived with a biting chill that matched the atmosphere inside Vance Enterprises. Alora walked through the glass revolving doors right at 8:00 AM, her posture rigid, her briefcase loaded with the verified audit reports.
As she stepped out onto the executive floor, she noticed Marcus standing by the coffee station, chatting casually with two senior vice presidents. He looked entirely too relaxed, wearing the smug grin of a man who thought he had already won the chess game.
"Morning, Alora," Marcus called out smoothly, raising his ceramic mug in a mock toast as she passed his partition. "Working hard, or just trying to keep up?"
Alora didn't break her stride. She offered a polite, icy smile over her shoulder. "Some of us prefer hard facts over
