That night, Piper didn’t go home. She went to a diner three blocks from the office and met an old friend: a reporter named Mira Chen who had been investigating Sterling & Associates for six months. Piper handed her a copy of the folder—she had photographed every page before returning it.

“Piper,” he said, folding his hands on his desk. “I wanted to talk to you before you signed.”

“Then start them.” Piper looked out the window at the Sterling & Associates tower, glittering against the night sky. “I didn’t want his promotion. I wanted his office—just long enough to unlock the real files.”

When the promotion announcement came, it wasn't a surprise to anyone who worked closely with her. Piper was being promoted to Executive Administrative Manager, a role that came with a corner cubicle, a 30% raise, and access to the senior leadership meetings. What surprised Piper was the note attached to the offer letter: “See me before you accept.” It was signed by Julian Sterling, the firm’s founding partner.