9:02 A.M.
I entered Blackwell BioSystems wearing the same cream dress from breakfast.
A faint red mark still showed across my cheek.
The receptionist recognized me from wedding photographs already circulating online.
“Mrs. Blackwell.”
“Bennett.”
She blinked.
“Excuse me?”
“Claire Bennett.”
Naomi arrived three minutes later with two associates.
At 9:20, we entered the main conference room.
Adrian was already there.
Thomas sat beside him.
Three board members were present.
Sophie entered seconds after us.
Adrian stood.
“Claire, thank God. About this morning—”
Naomi raised one hand.
