“The audio file is original,” I said, sliding a silver USB drive across the table. “And the doctor speaking to him is Dr. Silas at the Mercer Ridge Clinic.”

“Our office is already looking into Silas’s licensing files,” Vance replied, pocketing the drive. “If you can get this into the public record, we will have the leverage we need to issue the warrants.”

“You will have your leverage tonight,” I said.

I left the hotel and walked toward the grand ballroom of the Plaza.

The air outside was crisp and smelled of autumn rain, but inside the lobby, the atmosphere was thick with expensive perfume and the floral scent of lilies.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a sharp, glittering light over five hundred guests in black tie.

Jared stood near the main stage, holding a glass of champagne, surrounded by three of the company’s largest tech investors.

He looked perfectly manicured, his tuxedo tailored to perfection, but I saw the tight strain around his eyes.

Every time someone’s phone buzzed in the room, his head snapped toward them.