“He’s panicking,” I said.

“Good,” she said, shutting her laptop. “A panicking witness makes mistakes.”

“He claims Margaret forced his hand on the charity funds,” I said.

Lena stood up, smoothing her skirt.

“Then tomorrow, we let him say that under oath.”

The next morning, the conference room on the executive floor was silent except for the hum of the air conditioner.

A long mahogany table occupied the center of the room.

Grant sat opposite me, flanked by his personal attorney, Daniel, who looked exhausted.

Grant’s suit was expensive, but it hung loosely on his frame.

He looked like he hadn’t slept in days.

The court reporter sat at the end of the table, her fingers poised over her machine.

“We are on the record,” she said.

Daniel leaned forward, clearing his throat.

“Before we begin, I would like to state for the record that my client is prepared to offer a full surrender of his remaining shares in Mercer Hospitality in exchange for a mutual release of all claims.”

Lena did not even look at him.

“The offer is rejected,” Lena said. “We are here for the deposition.”