“Refills.”
“I have project work.”
Brennan’s smile vanished.
“Your project work seems to create confusion.”
Iris stared.
Then moved to the door.
She wanted to know how far he would take it.
Twenty minutes.
Thirty.
At forty-three minutes, Brennan finally turned.
“You know what I like about you?”
Iris said nothing.
“You take it.”
Derek smiled.
Brennan continued.
“Most people would’ve quit.”
He pointed at her.
“You’re stubborn enough to stay but not important enough to fight.”
Trent set down his fork.
“That’s messed up.”
Brennan turned.
“You have a problem?”
“Yes.”
“Then leave.”
Trent stood.
Brennan looked surprised.
“You’re serious?”
“I have work.”
“You don’t work here.”
“Exactly.”
Trent walked toward the door.
He stopped beside Iris.
Quietly said:
“Sorry.”
Then left.
It was not courage.
Not yet.
But it was the first crack in Brennan’s audience.
Iris collected the glasses.
Returned downstairs.
The elevator doors closed.
She made it twelve floors before the pressure reached her throat.
She leaned against the mirrored wall.
Closed her eyes.
Breathed.
Twenty-seven.
Twenty-six.
Twenty-five.
Her hands trembled.
By the lobby she had control again.
She stepped into the alley behind the building.
Grant had sent one message.
Say the word.
Iris stared at it.
She called.
He answered instantly.
“Where are you?”
“Work.”
“What happened?”
“How do you know something happened?”
“You don’t call me at two in the afternoon to discuss architecture.”
Iris looked up at the building.
“Dad.”
“Yes.”
“I’m okay.”
“That was not the question.”
She closed her eyes.
“He’s awful.”
“Who?”
“Brennan.”
Silence.
“How awful?”
Iris told him enough.
Not every word.
Coffee.
Report.
Conference room.
Grant’s breathing changed.
“I’m ending this.”
“No.”
“Iris.”
“One more day.”
“You have learned enough.”
“I haven’t.”
“What exactly are you trying to prove?”
“That this isn’t just about me.”
Grant said nothing.
Iris continued.
“People are scared of him.”
“That is already not okay.”
“I know.”
“One more day,” Iris said.
Grant’s voice became colder.
“If anyone touches you—”
“I call.”
“If they threaten you—”
“I call.”
“If you feel unsafe—”
“I leave.”
He hesitated.
“One more day.”
“Thank you.”
“I did not say yes.”
“You didn’t say no.”
“I am your father.”
“You are also technically my controlling shareholder.”
“Do not joke.”
“Love you.”