“Then I’ll change the name, the leadership, and the mission,” I said. “The people who worked there deserve better. The tenants in our buildings deserve better.”

Three days later, I stood in the lobby of the Apex Development building.

The brass letters of the company name looked tarnished under the high ceiling.

The security guard at the desk looked up, his eyes wide when he saw me.

“Mrs. Vance,” he said, standing up. “I… I didn’t think you’d be coming back.”

“I am, Marcus,” I said. “Is the board meeting still scheduled for ten?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said. “The emergency session is on the twentieth floor.”

I took the elevator up, the silence of the cabin humming in my ears.

When the doors opened, I walked into the executive boardroom.

Eight men and women sat around the long glass table, their faces pale and tired.

They were surrounded by folders, laptops, and half-empty cups of coffee.

The acting chairman, Arthur Pendelton, stood up when I entered.

“Claire,” he said, his voice strained. “This is a private board meeting. We are discussing the liquidation process.”