Chapter 4

The heavy oak doors of the banquet hall swung open.

Bright golden light spilled into the dim corridor. It blinded me for a second. I took a deep breath. My palms were sweating slightly.

For three years, I had hidden in Grant’s shadow. I had shrunk myself to fit into his rules.

But as I stepped into the light, that fear melted away.

I looked into the room. Grant was standing at the very front of the crowd. His back was straight, his chin lifted. He wore his most perfect, practiced smile. He was eagerly waiting for the Chairman. He…