“He thought I was just a quiet government employee who didn’t understand finance,” I said.

“He forgot that I manage logistics for an entire division.”

Sarah packed her papers back into the folders.

“He didn’t forget, Rachel.”

“He just never believed you would turn those skills on him.”

She stood up and buttoned her coat.

“Go back to the base, General.”

“Get some rest.”

“Let me handle the court filings in the morning.”

“Thank you, Sarah,” I said.

I took the manila folders and walked back out into the cold night.

The drive to the military headquarters was short.

The armed guard at the gate saluted as my SUV approached.

I rolled down the window and handed him my military ID.

“Good evening, General Mercer,” the young sergeant said, his posture stiffening.

“Good evening, Sergeant,” I replied.

He waved me through, and the heavy steel gates swung open.

I parked in my designated spot near the main entrance.

Inside the brick building, the corridors were quiet, lit by fluorescent lights that hummed softly in the silence.