[Jake's POV]
The Mercer Hotel looked too calm for a place about to host a corporate betrayal.
Warm lights glowed through tall glass windows. A doorman in a black coat held the entrance open for a couple stepping out of a town car. Inside, polished marble floors reflected gold fixtures, quiet staff, and guests who had paid enough money to believe trouble would never enter through the front door.
We entered through the side.
Claire moved beside me with Evelyn's folder tucked under one arm, her face composed in that sharp way she got when fear had been folded into work. Darius walked behind us, not close enough to look like a threat, close enough to become one before anyone finished regretting their choices.
"Pike is already inside," Claire said quietly. "Private dining room on the second floor. Elena Markham is six minutes out."
"Security?"
"Hotel standard. One private escort with Pike. Markham has two."
"Pike brought protection?"
"No. His son did."
That made me look at her.
