He turned slowly to look at Vanessa, his brow furrowing in confusion.

“What?” he muttered.

“She’s lying,” Vanessa said immediately, her voice rising an octave.

“She’s trying to distract you because she knows she’s lost everything.”

“I saw the message on your screen,” I said, pointing a trembling finger at her pocket.

“Sterling Holdings is waiting for the freeze to go active so they can launch the acquisition.”

The room became so quiet I could hear the hum of the fluorescent lights overhead.

Grant stared at Vanessa, his chest rising and falling in rapid, shallow breaths.

“Vanessa?” he said, his voice losing its arrogant edge.

“Grant, look at her,” Vanessa pleaded, taking his arm.

“She just went through a major surgery. She’s exhausted, she’s angry because of the divorce, and she’s trying to tear us apart.”

“Give him your phone,” I said.

Vanessa took a step backward, her heels clicking sharply against the linoleum floor.

“I don’t have to show you my personal device,” she said, her chin rising.

“This is corporate property, paid for by Holloway Enterprises,” Margaret Voss interjected, her voice carrying a terrifying authority.