Lily's point of view

As I gazed at my laptop's blazing screen, the early sun shone through the office windows, illuminating my desk with piercing beams. Every silent pulse was a taunt from the blinking cursor. I had been studying the merger's finances for weeks, but my suspicion that something was WRONG had become a persistent conviction.

At first sight, the spreadsheets were flawless—well-made and precisely matched. Too ideal. I had a strong instinct that someone wanted this deal to go unnoticed and unquestioned since I had spent years observing how individuals like Marcus and his organization function.

Leaning back in my chair and stroking my hair, I let out...