CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED – THE SMOKING GUN

For a long moment, silence hung heavy in the air, the two women locked in a battle of wills. Finally, the faintest of smiles seemed to tug at the corners of Barbara's lips. "Well, well. It seems my son's faith in you isn't entirely misplaced after all," she murmured, the approving lilt in her tone surprising Kayla. "Few have the mettle to stand up to me in such a way." Kayla felt herself bristling despite the older woman's apparent approval. "With all due respect, ma'am, you came into my office throwing around accusations about my integrity. I'm just calling it like I see it." The faintest spark of what could almost be admiration flickered in Barbara's eyes before she quickly shuttered it away. "Indeed. Which is why I feel I can finally broach the real purpose behind my visit." Before she could elaborate, the door to Kayla's office burst open, and Lance strode in looking like a man possessed. His dark eyes were blazing with a fire Kayla had seldom witnessed, his movements charged w