CHAPTER FIFTY NINE – AN ATTEMPT TO EXPOSE THE TRUTH

A short while later found Karina striding into the soaring lobby of Hardy Enterprises' central headquarters. Her gaze swept over the opulent space—all polished marble floors, sleek modern accents, and impeccably primped staff manning the various stations. She approached the central reception desk with what she hoped was an air of unruffled poise, tamping down her lingering urge to turn tail and flee the building entirely. Before the attentive receptionist could so much as purse her lips in disdain, Karina lifted her chin and requested an audience with John Hardy himself. "I'm afraid Mr. Hardy is in an extremely important executive meeting that cannot be disturbed," came the prim, dismissive response as the woman didn't even deign to look up from her computer terminal. Undeterred, Karina leaned in closer over the shining surface. "It's regarding a matter of grave personal urgency," she pressed, somehow keeping her tone maddeningly polite despite the rising flare of irritation. "If