I pushed them open.

The room was empty except for Elliot Crane.

He stood by the window, a cup of coffee in his hand, looking out at the morning traffic.

He turned when he heard the door.

He looked tired, his gray suit slightly wrinkled.

“Arden,” he said, setting his cup down. “I didn’t expect you to arrive before the board.”

“I wanted to make sure the seating arrangements were correct,” I said.

I walked to the end of the long mahogany conference table.

The leather chair at the head of the table was empty.

Historically, it belonged to the senior managing partner.

I pulled the chair out and sat down.

I placed my briefcase on the polished wood surface in front of me.

Elliot watched me, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“You’re taking a big risk, Arden,” he said.

“The firm’s reputation is on the line.”

“If this goes public, we all lose.”

“The firm’s reputation was destroyed the moment Graham started stealing from his clients, Elliot,” I said.

“I am saving what’s left of it.”

“By buying the majority?”

“By taking control,” I said.