Graham did not speak.

He just stared at me, his jaw clenched so tight the muscle beneath his left ear twitched.

Elliot stepped between us, breaking the connection.

He looked only at Graham.

“As of right now, Graham, you are suspended from all duties at Whitaker-Crane,” Elliot said.

His voice was flat, devoid of the warmth he usually used when he poured our drinks in this room.

“Suspended?” Graham’s voice cracked slightly on the second syllable.

“Elliot, you cannot do that without a full vote from the executive committee.”

“I am the managing partner, and I have the emergency authority to protect our assets,” Elliot said.

He adjusted his cuffs, his gold watch catching the dim light of the hallway chandelier.

“There will be a formal board review tomorrow morning at nine o’clock,” Elliot added.

“Do not come to the office before then.”

“Your access badge has already been deactivated, and the IT department is currently locking your remote servers.”

Bianca made a small, sharp sound in her throat.

She took half a step backward, away from Graham, her heels clicking on the limestone.