Chapter 4

I sat across from Marcus Chen at a quiet corner table in Café Noir, far enough from Carter Corporation that we wouldn't be recognized by any colleagues. The café's dim lighting and jazz music provided perfect cover for what could only be described as my first act of rebellion.

"You're sure about this?" Marcus asked, sliding a folder across the table. His eyes, always perceptive, searched mine for any hesitation. "Once we file these incorporation papers, there's no going back."

I took the folder, my fingers tracing the embossed lettering: Hoffman Consulting Group. My maiden name. My identity before I…