The first blow came three days after Brenda and Claire had formed their alliance, swift and surgical, designed to cause maximum damage with minimal trace; confidential company files appeared in the inboxes of three major competitors, detailed projections, bid amounts, strategic plans, everything needed to undercut Petersons International in their most important upcoming deal.

Jackson was in his office when his CFO, Marcus, burst through the door, his face pale and tight with panic. "We have a ...