I picked up the heavy silver pen, my fingers cold against the metal.

“This is strictly a business arrangement, Mr. Russo,” I said, looking him in the eye.

“I am an employee. Nothing more.”

“Of course,” Dante said, his gaze remaining steady and dark.

I pressed the pen to the paper and signed my name at the bottom of the page.

Dante took the contract back, letting his fingers slide across the paper.

“Your office is down the hallway to the left,” he said.

“I have already transferred the active files of my top associates to the secure laptop on your desk.”

“You will begin by reviewing their profiles.”

I stood up, holding my purse like a shield.

“Thank you, Mr. Russo,” I said.

“Call me Dante,” he said.

I turned and walked down the quiet, carpeted hallway to the designated office.

The room was small but modern, with a single window looking out at the city.

A sleek laptop sat in the center of a glass desk, its screen already glowing.

I sat down, taking a deep breath to settle the shaking in my hands.