Sloane
I stepped into the boardroom of Thorne Capital with my chin held high, clutching my leather portfolio like a shield against the predatory energy of the room. I had spent seven years carving out a reputation as the most ruthless litigator in the city, a woman who didn't just win cases but dismantled opponents until they had nothing left to fight with. My suit was tailored to perfection, a sharp charcoal grey that mirrored the coldness I projected to everyone in my professional circle. I didn't do warmth, and I certainly didn't do intimidation, because I was usually the one doing the intimidating. But as I took my seat at the mahogany table, I felt a shift in the atmosphere that made the hair on my arms stand up.
Julian Thorne was already there, leaning back in his chair with a lev
