Chapter 4 - THE BOARDROOM CONFRONTATION
The warm, gentle ocean breeze of the terrace did nothing to soften the high-society arrogance radiating from the Mercer family's central table.
Vivian Mercer sat with her gold-rimmed glasses resting on her nose, her silk gown glittering under the amber lanterns as she laughed with her daughter, Claire.
"The service at this resort is truly magnificent, Daniel," Vivian said, raising her crystal glass of champagne toward the ocean.
"It’s a shame we had to leave your little street cat at the gate; she would have probably broken one of these expensive glasses."
Daniel frowned, his thumb swiping across his screen as a cold, sudden wire of panic began to tighten around his chest.
"That's strange," he muttered, his voice dropping out of its usual smooth, entitled register.
"My primary corporate debit card was just declined by the resort's automated billing system for a minor room charge."
"I am sure it is nothing more than a temporary administrative glitch, Mr. Mercer," a cold, clear voice cut through the laughter.
I stepped onto the terrace, my posture rigid, the golden light of the chandeliers reflecting off the sharp, clean lines of my ivory suit.
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Behind me walked Mr. Han, followed by two uniformed security officers and three senior representatives from the state treasury division.
"Evelyn?" Daniel gasped, the crystal glass slipping from his fingers and shattering loudly against the polished stone floor of the terrace.
