Ashley’s brows knitted together. Silence filled the office, even as her secretary came in with tea and snacks.

Unable to stand the tension on Ashley’s face, Vance finally broke the quiet.

“Drink some tea—it’ll help you calm down.”

Ashley sighed, exhausted, but obeyed his words, forgetting the courtesy of offering Vance his own cup.

After a few sips, her mind began to clear. With the anxiety pushed aside, ideas started to flow.

“First of all, I want to make sure our ...