“Do not make a scene in front of Evelyn.”

“Protect me?” Sloane asked, her hands shaking so hard the leather folder slipped, dropping several papers onto the carpet.

She did not bend down to pick them up.

“You told me we were partners, Carter,” she said, her voice trembling.

“We are partners,” Carter said, taking a step toward her.

“But you have to trust the process.”

“The process is making me the scapegoat,” Sloane said, backing away from him.

She looked at Vivian, then at the empty teacup on the table, as if realizing where she stood in this room.

I stood silent, watching the fracture spread through their alliance.

“You knew about this,” Sloane said to Vivian.

“Of course she knew,” I said softly.

Vivian did not deny it; she simply stared at Sloane with cold indifference.

“You are paid very well to handle our affairs, Sloane,” Vivian said.

“And to take the risks that come with them.”

Sloane’s face turned completely white.

“This isn’t a risk,” Sloane whispered. “This is federal fraud.”

She looked at me, her eyes filled with a sudden, desperate panic.