“There’s been a mistake,” Ethan said, his voice cracking. “I am the CEO of Apex Development.”

“We know exactly who you are, Mr. Vance,” the lead agent said, stepping forward with a pair of steel handcuffs.

Two agents grabbed Ethan’s arms, forcing him down onto his knees on the cold floor.

I stepped back, my back pressing against the glass partition of the conference room.

Through the glass, I could see the adjacent boardroom, where Ethan’s inner circle had been waiting for the evening’s victory celebration.

Senator Thomas was already on his feet, his hands raised, his face the color of chalk.

Beside him, Deputy Mayor Sterling was being pushed against the mahogany table by two tactical officers.

“Claire,” a voice called out from the doorway.

I looked up and saw Liam pushing through the line of agents.

He still wore his blue hospital scrubs under a dark wool coat, his face tight with worry.

Liam reached my side in three strides, his hands immediately checking my shoulders and neck for new injuries.

“Are you alright?” Liam asked, his voice low and urgent.