CHAPTER 55 —

Nicole had learned the physics of panic: panic travels faster than the law and louder than evidence. Tonight the gala felt like a slow-motion test in which everyone had to pretend calm until someone made a real decision. Her announcement had bought them minutes. Anders’ dashboard had turned green. The boutique streamer complied. The partner shut the door on the commit. For now.

But “for now” in this war was a thin blanket.

She drifted back to her table like a woman ...