Half an hour later, he came back with extra papers—only to be met by two security guards. Julia stood behind them, cold and composed.
“Your behavior raised concern,” she said. “You’ll need to leave and not return until cleared.”
Henry’s voice stayed calm. “Ms. Bennett, what you’re doing is wrong. One day, you’ll see the price of treating people this way.”
Julia turned away, convinced she’d done her job.
That afternoon, she prepared for the biggest deal of her career—a $3 billion partnership with Carter Financial Group, a powerful private investment firm. Securing it would make her one of the most successful bankers in the country.
Her assistant appeared at the door. “Ms. Bennett, Mr. Henry Carter has arrived.”
Julia smiled, expecting a wealthy executive in an expensive suit. “Excellent. Send him in.”
The door opened—and in walked the same elderly man from that morning.
Julia froze. “You…”
Henry gave a polite nod. “Good afternoon, Ms. Bennett. We’ve met already.”
Color drained from her face.
“You didn’t realize,” Henry said evenly, “that the man you dismissed was the founder and CEO of the company you’re hoping to partner with.”