"Vincent, could you please stop disgusting me with your little mystic act?"

"Those clients chose us because of our brand equity and our advanced management systems. You just happened to be there. That's all."

"You really think you're some kind of living saint? Haven't you leeched off this company long enough?"

A wave of absurdity washed over me so strong I almost laughed.

For years, every time Beverly hit a dead end, she'd come to me with flushed cheeks and desperate reverence, begging me to cast the sacred cups and divine a way out. When she needed me, I was a god. When she didn't, suddenly she wanted to talk about science and rationality.

"Bev, look at him." Dean sauntered over and wrapped his arm around Beverly's waist. "You've already exposed him and he's still running his mouth."

He smiled. "Why don't we call Manager Lambert and the others in for a little face-to-face? That way he can't accuse us of ganging up on him."

Beverly pressed the intercom button without hesitation.

Less than two minutes later, Manager Lambert walked in with a handful of senior employees trailing behind him.

The moment I saw Lambert, a spark of hope lit in my chest.

Two years ago, he'd been framed with tens of millions in bad debt. He'd been so desperate he was standing on the rooftop, ready to jump. I was the one who cast the cups and unraveled the scheme within the scheme, saving his life and his family.

The others owed me too. I'd guided them to the right clients, the right neighborhoods, the right deals. They'd bought homes and cars in the Capital, put down roots—all because of my counsel.

I thought at least one of them would speak up for me.

Lambert didn't even hesitate. He walked through the door, jabbed a finger in my face, and erupted with righteous fury.

"Ms. Delgado, Director Cooley is absolutely right!"

"Vincent Sullivan didn't just peddle superstitious nonsense in the office—he forced us to buy his Protection Charms at outrageous prices!"

"And if we refused, he'd pull his mystical intimidation routine, spiritual bullying pure and simple. We were too afraid to speak up!"

I stood frozen. "Lambert, you..."

Then a woman stepped forward—someone I'd once guided away from a route that would have put her in a fatal car wreck. She piled on without blinking.