Part 2: His executives shifted uncomfortably behind him.
“Yes,” Mariah said. “Bellamy Equity Partners.”
But Elliot had already stopped listening.
“Look,” he said, stepping closer. “I don’t know what game you’re playing, but you can’t just walk into a Fortune 500 company and pretend to be someone important.”
The receptionist stared down at her keyboard.
Several employees slowed near the elevators.
Phones appeared discreetly.
Mariah felt heat rise behind her ribs, but her face remained still.
“Mr. Vance, I think there has been a misunderstanding.”
“The only misunderstanding,” Elliot cut in, “is you thinking you can bluff your way upstairs.”
He turned toward security.
“Get her out before she causes trouble.”
Darius Cole approached, slow and careful. He looked at Mariah, then at Elliot, then back at Mariah.
“Ma’am,” he said quietly, “I’m going to have to ask you to come with me.”
“I was invited here,” Mariah said, her voice carrying across the marble lobby. “Graham Whitlock arranged this meeting.”
Elliot’s laugh was harsher this time.
“Graham Whitlock would never arrange a meeting with someone like you without my knowledge.”
Someone like you.
The phrase hung in the air, ugly and unmistakable.
Darius placed his hand lightly on Mariah’s arm. Elliot’s face twisted.
“She’s a security threat,” Elliot barked. “Treat her like one.”
Darius’s grip tightened.
Not violently.
But enough.
Mariah looked at him, and he looked away.
Behind them, Elliot raised his voice.
“Call the police. I want her charged with trespassing.”
The elevator chimed.
Then the doors burst open…
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