Beverly pressed the intercom button without hesitation.
Less than two minutes later, Manager Lambert walked in with a handful of senior employees trailing behind him.
The moment I saw Lambert, a spark of hope lit in my chest.
Two years ago, he'd been framed with tens of millions in bad debt. He'd been so desperate he was standing on the rooftop, ready to jump. I was the one who cast the cups and unraveled the scheme within the scheme, saving his life and his family.
The others owed me too. I'd guided them to the right clients, the right neighborhoods, the right deals. They'd bought homes and cars in the Capital, put down roots—all because of my counsel.
I thought at least one of them would speak up for me.
Lambert didn't even hesitate. He walked through the door, jabbed a finger in my face, and erupted with righteous fury.
"Ms. Delgado, Director Cooley is absolutely right!"
"Vincent Sullivan didn't just peddle superstitious nonsense in the office—he forced us to buy his Protection Charms at outrageous prices!"
"And if we refused, he'd pull his mystical intimidation routine, spiritual bullying pure and simple. We were too afraid to speak up!"
I stood frozen. "Lambert, you..."