CHAPTER 021: Immunity

I lean back in my chair, forcing myself to stay calm. My face gives nothing away, but I feel the tension coiling in my muscles, especially in my jaw. The silence stretches between us. Even the hum of the air conditioning feels deafening, and the ticking of the wall clock

sounds like gunfire.

The nerve of Ryan O’Brien to come at me with a question like that. I take a deep breath. No way am I letting him see me lose it. Not now.

I let my body relax, settling deeper into my chair. When I finally speak, my voice is calm. Too calm.

“I’ve read about you, Mr. O’Brien,” I say. “Harvard, right? Top of your class in Business Administration. And what was it? A Master’s degree in International Economics? Impressive.” I tilt my head, narrowing my eyes just a little. “Tell me, at what point during all those years of education did they teach you it’s okay to ask your business partner a question like that?”

Ryan’s face remains neutral, but there’s something in his eyes. Smugness? I’m not sure, but it’s there. He leans forward slightly, his smile icy. “Since we’re on the subject of education, Lucas,” Ryan says, “I’ve also done my research on you. Degrees in Strategic Management, accolades from top financial institutions, and a few awards here and there, right?” He pauses for effect, letting the tension build. “At what point in your illustrious career did you learn it’s okay to fuck your business partner’s wife?” ‘chuckle, shaking my head. “I wasn’t aware there was an anti-fraternization policy in your company. Correct me if I’m wrong, but… aren’t you sleeping with your secretary?”