Rowena jolted in pain, her gaze locking with a pair of cold, menacing eyes.


    "In a bit, if your studio gets picked, you''d better bow out quietly. Not that I think you stand much chance of being chosen."


    Rowena struggled furiously.


    "You bastard, let me go! Why should I listen to you? This isn''t even my studio alone, and even if it were, there''s no way I''d do what you say."


    Abbott pped her cheek-hard enough to sting, but not enough to leave a mark. His voice was thick with threat.


    "Go ahead, try me. Don''t forget, I''ve got those photos of you-nude, and very convincing. Wouldn''t it be a shame if they ended up stered all over Capitolion Avenue?"


    With a harshugh, he shoved Rowena aside and strode away without a backward nce.


    Rowena crashed into the wall, trembling uncontrobly, barely able to stand.


    Inside the conference room.


    Rowena had been gone too long.


    Wendy was starting to get anxious.


    "Isadora, the presentations are about to start and Rowena''s still not back. I''ll go look for her."


    Just as Wendy spoke, Rowena walked through the door.


    Isadora frowned with concern. "Rowena, you look awful-what happened?"


    Rowena sank into her chair, trying to steady her breathing. She clenched her fists, fighting down the fear that threatened to overwhelm her.


    She knew Abbott wasn''t bluffing. If he said he had those photos, he probably did. She couldn''t remember ever taking any, but that only left one exnation: the creep must have hidden a camera in her bedroom.


    Her voice shook as she turned to Isadora. "Maybe... maybe we should withdraw from thepetition."


    Wendy misunderstood, thinking Rowena was just nervous about losing.


    "Rowena, we don''t know the results yet! There''s still a good chance we''ll win, don''t worry."


    Isadora, though, sensed something was wrong, though she couldn''t quite put her finger on it.


    At that moment, Jonathan took the stage to announce the shortlist.


    "As representatives of Horizon Architects, I''m pleased to announce the two studios with the highest preliminary scores: Sundale Design Studio and Verdant Studio."


    Wendy''s jaw dropped. "Verdant Studio? Isn''t that the jerk''s firm?!"


    Jonathan paused, then continued, "There''s one more spot, but the next two studios are tied: Seafarer Designs and Gemini Collective."


    "After discussion, the board has decided to have each studio send a representative to present their design philosophy. We''ll conduct one final vote."


    As soon as he finished, Isadora noticed Abbott shooting a sharp nce in their direction.


    She instinctively looked at Rowena, who was ashen and trembling.


    "Rowena, it''s your turn," Wendy urged. "Are you okay? You look like you''re about to faint."


    Isadora hesitated, then said quietly, "I''ll go up and present."


    Just as she got to her feet, Rowena grabbed her arm. "Isadora.....”


    Isadora looked down at her, concerned. "What is it?"


    Rowena faltered under her gaze, forcing a weak smile. "Nothing... go ahead."


    The presentation screens flickered on, disying their designs.


    Isadora walked to the stage, steadying herself, ready to speak. Suddenly, the conference room doors swung open.


    Everyone turned to look.


    Victor entered in a sharply tailored charcoal pinstripe suit, the fit impable, his crisp white shirtplemented by a dark striped tie. Not a wrinkle in sight.


    He radiated quiet authority, his presencemanding the room. Several board members and associates followed in his wake, and the atmosphere shifted instantly.


    As soon as he appeared, the executives including Jonathan-rose from their seats to wee him.