The Kane Industries private meeting room felt too small for the four people inside it. Camille sat at the head of the polished table, Victoria to her right, Alexander to her left. Stefan Rodriguez stood awkwardly near the door, as if unsure whether to step further in or keep his escape route close.

"Sit, Mr. Rodriguez," Victoria said, her voice cold as winter steel. "You requested this meeting. Let's not waste time."

Stefan lowered himself into a chair ...