The morning sun had barely climbed over the horizon, casting golden rays over the tall glass windows of Sterling Enterprises. A light breeze swept across the concrete parking lot, stirring Claire's neatly curled hair as she stepped out of her black sedan, her high heels clicking purposefully against the pavement. Dressed in a fitted navy-blue blazer and matching slacks, she looked composed, powerful—even regal—but beneath that cool exterior simmered an anger too fierce to be ignored.