Daniel’s pov

My tie felt like a noose, tight against my throat. I tugged at it, adjusted the knot, then smoothed my suit jacket again; my reflection in the mirror showed a calm, strong face.

No one looking at me would guess the storm brewing inside.

"Just a college assignment, man," Jake announced from the doorway, leaning against the frame, a coffee mug in his hand. He looked too relaxed, too casual, for the weight pressing down on me. "You're acting like it's a shareholders' ...