The handle turned, and the heavy wood began to swing open.

I stepped in front of Mia, my arm reaching back to shield her.

The heavy brass handle clicked, and the door swung open.

Daniel Price stood in the doorway, his tie loosened and his face pale.

He looked behind him into the hallway before quickly closing the door and locking it.

“You need to see this,” Daniel said, his voice strained.

He held up his tablet, the screen glowing in the dim light of the office.

Before I could look, my own phone vibrated violently in my hand.

The download of the encrypted file was complete, but a dozen notifications flooded my screen right behind it.

“Mom,” Mia whispered, her hand tightening on my shoulder. “What is that?”

I tapped the first notification, a link to a prominent New York tabloid.

The headline stared back at me in bold, black letters.

*Prominent Philanthropist Claire Hayes Suffers Mental Breakdown at Plaza Gala.*

My breath caught in my throat.

I scrolled down, my thumb trembling against the glass.