Lauren insisted on driving me back home as I left the Vanderberg Palace. I grabbed a couple of fresh outfits and asked her to take me to the airport.

During the ride, I made calls to both Ryan and Grayson.

Grayson offered, "I can accompany you, you know. Are you sure you want to go alone?"

"Your mission is more crucial. Finding evidence is the key to victory. I'll be fine on my own. Trust me," I earnestly advised Grayson.

The remorse in Ryan’s voice was clear.

I was not worried about the company with Ryan in charge, but he was not good at complicated relationships. His time abroad had dulled his understanding of complex interpersonal dynamics.

Teasingly, I said to Lauren, "Your ideas are truly classic. Why do I feel like you're such a smooth operator?"

She glanced at me and retorted, "Who's the smooth operator here? You're just too close to the situation. Your brain is leagues ahead of the rest of us.

"In my opinion, you've let the company stagnate in the years Matthew ran it