“I know,” I said. “Have the medical team look after the receptionist immediately. Give her a paid week off and a generous bonus from my personal account.”

“And your husband?”

“Let him have the key,” I said. “Let them settle into the Presidential Pavilion.”

Mr. Han stared at me, his eyes searching my face.

“They need to feel completely secure,” I added. “The higher they climb, the harder they will hit the ground.”

He bowed his head. “I will instruct the front desk to comply.”

He tapped his screen, sending the command to the trembling receptionist downstairs.

We walked down the carpeted hallway toward the double doors of the boardroom.

The scent of fresh jasmine drifted through the air-conditioned corridor.

I pushed the heavy oak door open.

The twelve members of the executive board stood up instantly when I entered.

“Director Arden,” they said in unison, bowing their heads.

“Please, sit down,” I said, taking my place at the head of the long mahogany table.

The room was silent except for the soft hum of the projector.

A slide appeared on the wall, showing the financial records of Mercer Enterprises.