Weeks later**

 The day had been long, and Maya was still in her office when her assistant knocked on the door, smiling mysteriously.

 “Miss Denovan,” she said, “Mr. Elias called again. He said you should close early today.”

 Maya raised an eyebrow. “Close early? Did he say why?”

 Her assistant’s lips curved into a secretive grin. “No, ma’am. Just that it’s important.”

 Maya sighed softly. “That man and his surprises,” she murmured under her breath. She finished signing the last few papers on her desk, packed her things, and stepped out of the studio. Outside, a black car waited for her —the driver holding the door open politely.

 “Mr. Elias...