Later that morning, Sophie entered the south wing of the estate, where Richard had retreated after retiring from Phoenix’s Board two years ago. His study smelled of cigar smoke and lemon oil.

He looked up as she entered.

“You saw it,” he said without pleasantries.

“I did.”

Richard poured himself a glass of mineral water. “It’s not what they’re making it out to be.”

“Then tell me what it is.”

He sighed.

“In 2010, I was approached by whistleblowers who believed Mary’s early AI model had been compromised by a political sponsor. I paid for their protection, off-grid. Yes — through a clinic. That footage was me picking up a...