Michael Helwart’s gaze was an arctic blast, fixed on the new secretary, Chloe, who stood before his desk trying to project an air of unflustered competence. She had just arrived, and the plan had already gone awry. She had no idea who the primary contact at the Sloane Group was.

Linsy, standing to the side, intervened smoothly. "Understood, Mr. Helwart. I will brief Chloe on the matter." Her voice was a calm, professional balm over the tension. Out with the old, in with the new. Given ...