The annual investors' summit was one of the most important events on Hartwell Group's calendar, but as Caro stepped into the grand ballroom of the Imperial Crown Hotel, she could not shake the feeling that something was wrong. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in warm golden light while executives, politicians, investors, and media representatives moved through the crowd with polished smiles and practiced confidence. Everything appeared normal on the surface. Yet after everything she had endured over the past months, Caro had learned that danger rarely announced itself openly. Sometimes it arrived wearing an expensive suit and carrying a pleasant smile.
She adjusted the sleeve of her navy blue dress and scanned the room carefully. Her eyes moved from table to table, searching for anything unusual. She found nothing. Even so, the uneasiness remained. It settled deep in her stomach and refused to leave.
"You're early."
