BRIAN

I didn't care about the board meeting anymore. The second the elevator doors closed, cutting off the noise of the executive floor, I pulled my tie loose and ripped it off my neck. I tossed the expensive silk onto the floor of the elevator cabin. Marcus picked it up immediately, but I didn't even look at him.

"Cancel the rest of the day," I said. My voice was rough, cutting through the quiet hum of the descending elevator. "The meetings with the eastern managers, the calls with the legal team. Clear it all."

Marcus tapped his tablet. "Sir, the trading floor opens in thirty minutes. You have a lunch...