Chapter 19

The organizer of the event hesitated before answering, "Well... Ms. Shawcross has a very packed schedule. She already made it clear that she won't be meeting with anyone." A few days later, Reuben walked into Stellan's office. "Mr. Layman, Ms. Shawcross still refuses to meet with you." This was the third time Lyra had refused to see Stellan. A faint sheen of sweat coated Reuben's forehead as he informed Stellan of this. The latter's frown deepened as he set his pen on the desk with a sharp tap. His voice was low, edged with impatience, as he said, "She's still refusing to meet? What's her excuse this time?" "Ms. Shawcross says she's been in poor health and isn't taking visitors," Reuben replied carefully, cautious not to provoke Stellan's temper. He knew better than anyone how volatile Stellan's moods had become since Celine's "death". Stellan let out a humorless laugh. Poor health? He thought that excuse was too flimsy. She was dodging him, plain and simple. Leaning back in his