Sarah's smile didn't fade. "Then I suppose you'll get to see how expensive defiance can be." She reached across the desk, collected the flash drive again, and slipped it back into her folder. "Two weeks. If I don't hear from you by then, I send the files to the board, the SEC, and a few very curious journalists I've been drinking with."
"You're bluffing," I said.
She met my eyes. "Try me."
The room went still. Rain ticked against the glass again, faint and rhythmic. I could feel my pulse in my throat.
Finally, Sarah stood, smoothing her skirt. "I do hope we find common ground, Ms. Nolin. I always preferred cooperation over chaos." She gave a tight smile. "Pleasure seeing you again, Evan."
I didn't answer. Just stared as she turned and walked to the door, heels echoing against the marble floor.
