Chapter One: The Stolen Blueprint

Eighty thousand dollars. Lena Lin was staring at the red figure in her banking app when the conference-room door closed behind her. “The Pinecrest Hotel renovation was led by Mr. Marcus Vale,” the CEO’s secretary announced. The atrium, floating staircase, and woven brass light wall on the screen were designs Lena had produced over forty-seven sleepless nights. Applause broke out. Marcus stood beside the screen, his cuff links gleaming like chips of ice. “Naturally, several junior employees provided support.” Lena did not clap. “Page sixty-two carries my digital signature. The source files are on the server. Does ‘support’ include the circulation plan, the entire material schedule, and the fire-egress review?” Silence settled over the table.