Chapter 5

He walked to the front of the room and pulled up the presentation we'd been working on. "This campaign concept was primarily Marie's creation. The sustainability messaging that the client specifically praised? That was her insight."

He clicked through several slides, pointing out specific elements. "These market analyses, the demographic targeting strategy, the innovative social media approach—all Marie's work, documented in our project management system with timestamps showing her contributions preceded our collaboration."

Mark Collins shifted uncomfortably in his seat as Dean continued.

"I chose to work with Marie because of her talent, not because of any personal relationship. And…