Kingsley walks briskly across the lobby's gleaming marble floor, his thoughts focused on the next board meeting.

Hardy and three other staff members trail behind him, all dressed in business suits and carrying light briefcases.

Phones ringing, shoes clicking, subdued conversations—the regular hum of activity scarcely registers in his thoughts.

Until a voice interrupts him just before he reaches the spinning doors.

"Kingsley!" It demands attention since it is melodious yet piercing.

When he turns, he sees a pretty lady approaching him, with deliberate slow steps.

Her dark hair falls in a cascade, framing her piercing green eyes and high cheekbones, and she is quite tall.

Although she is beautiful,...