Mitchell Bronson backed toward the elevator. Harold Lee began gathering his things. Allerton looked trapped. He threw his hands up. “This is extortion. You will regret siding with people like them.”
Everett’s reply was quiet. “I regret ever inviting you into my home. Leave. All of you.”
The men retreated, furious and defeated. The elevator doors swallowed them. The room breathed again.
Marina clutched Raya’s shoulders. “I am so sorry, Mr. Langston. She should not have spoken. I will—”
“No.” Everett raised a hand. “Do not apologize. If anything, I should thank her.” He knelt in front of Raya. “You saved me. That contract could have cost my foundation its integrity. How can I repay you?”
Raya shook her head. “You don’t have to. I only said what was true.”
He smiled. It was the first real smile she had seen on his face. “Truth has become a rare commodity in this world. I intend to invest in it.”
He stood and gestured for them to follow him. They entered a room Raya had never seen. A private library. Shelves climbed two floors high, filled with manuscripts, atlases, rare first editions, and annotated letters. Soft lamps bathed everything in amber light. Raya’s breath hitched.