Chapter 188: Your problem

The conference room buzzed with low conversation, the steady shuffle of papers, and the occasional chime of a phone on silent. Valerie sat at the head of the table like a queen in waiting, her eyes sharp, the faintest smirk playing at her lips as Mara entered.

"Well, well, the prodigal queen returns," Valerie teased, gesturing for Mara to take her seat at the head of the table while she takes the one beside her. "Took you long enough."