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The Security Guard Blocked Me from Entering, Unaware My Name Was on the Building’s Deed

Chapter 4

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Evelyn turned her gaze back to the guard."You told me two minutes ago that this store wasn't for someone like me," she said calmly. "You were right about one thing. Sterling & Rowe has lost its way if its frontline staff believes their primary duty is intimidation rather than hospitality. But you were gravely mistaken about who holds the deed to this floor."The guard swallowed hard, his throat clicking audibly. "Ma'am... I—I was only following the guidelines set down by previous management...""We will examine those guidelines thoroughly," Evelyn replied. She looked at Collins. "Mr. Collins, you will report to the executive suite immediately. I want the personnel rosters, the security contracts, and every single incident report filed over the past twenty-four months laid out on the boardroom table.""Right away, Ms. Carter. Immediately," Collins stammered, wiping his brow with a silk handkerchief.Mrs. Langford stood frozen, her designer coat suddenly looking ridiculous against her stiff, pale posture. She clutched her handbag against her ribs, her mouth opening and closing like a landed fish."This is outrageous," Mrs. Langford whispered, trying to reclaim some shred of authority. "I am a tier-one patron. I spend over half a million dollars here annually. Your father—Richard Carter—he assured me..."She cut herself off, her eyes widening in horror at her own slip.Evelyn stopped. She turned back slowly, fixing her gaze onto Mrs. Langford’s trembling visage."What did you just say?" Evelyn asked quietly. "What did my father promise you?"Mrs. Langford pulled her coat tighter, taking a step backward toward the entrance. "Nothing. A misunderstanding. A business matter between old acquaintances.""My father built Carter Holdings on transparency, Mrs. Langford," Evelyn said, stepping closer until only two paces separated them. "And he is currently in a recovery ward following heart surgery. If you have been conducting backdoor agreements regarding the real estate deeds or operational oversight of Sterling & Rowe, I suggest you retain legal counsel before noon. Because by three o'clock today, my forensic accountants will have torn through every lease, vendor agreement, and patron ledger in this building."Mrs. Langford’s face went gray. Without another word, she turned on her heels and practically fled through the revolving doors, her Pomeranian whimpering beneath her arm.

The executive boardroom on the fifth floor of the Sterling & Rowe building smelled of old mahogany, stale cigars, and panic.
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The Security Guard Blocked Me from Entering, Unaware My Name Was on the Building’s Deed

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