Nadia’s pulse throbbed in time with the electric buzz of the lounge’s neon sign. Valentine had yankedher out of the office the moment the clock hit six, dismissing her protests. After a day of dodgingvirtual bullets, he decided that "emergency drinks" were no longer optional. 

"I’ve worked for the Bradley Group for years, darling," Valentine said, swirling a green cocktail inonehand. "I never knew such negative, gutter-level vices existed in this company until you showed up." 

Nadia leaned back in the plush booth, nursing a glass of sparkling water. "I didn't realize I was suchacatalyst for chaos." 

"You aren't the catalyst, Nadia. You’re the light in all of this if...