Hart Interiors had the top two floors of a glass building by the river. I'd been there four times in twelve years, always for Christmas parties. Daniel liked me to stand in the corner and smile.

At 9:50 a.m., I walked into the lobby in my navy suit.

The young receptionist looked up. “Good morning. Can I help you?”

Before I could answer, the lift opened and Vanessa stepped out with two people in grey suits. The Sterling Group team, I guessed. She stopped dead when she saw me.

“Oh, for God's sake.” She turned to the receptionist. “Megan, this woman isn't welcome. Call security.”

Megan hesitated. “She hasn't said who she's here to see—”

“I'm telling you who she is. She's Daniel's ex-wife, and she's here to make a scene.” Vanessa smiled at the Sterling people. “Sorry. A bit of a domestic situation.”

A security guard walked over. “Madam, I'll have to ask you to leave—”

“She's with me.”

Marcus Hale had come through the revolving doors behind me, briefcase in hand. “Mrs Hart is attending the board meeting. Floor twelve.”

Vanessa laughed. “Attending? As what? The tea lady?”

Marcus pressed the lift button.

“As the representative of Whitmore Holdings,” he said pleasantly.

The lift doors closed on Vanessa's face. She hadn't understood. Not yet.