Chapter Two: Thirteen at Midnight

Zhiwei recognized Bai Zhilan, founder of the Bai property empire, officially born in 1968. Zhiwei had seen her in a ribbon-cutting photograph thirty years old. She had worn the same face. At the center sat Wen Qi, chairwoman of Hemera Biotech. She had removed her gold-rimmed glasses. Her pupils were as narrow as needles. “Doctor Shen,” Wen Qi said. “Your sister was more punctual.” Zhiwei fired the pepper spray. The white cloud crossed the table, but Wen Qi was no longer seated. An icy hand closed around Zhiwei's wrist before she even saw the woman move. Gu laid a silver dinner knife between them. Its edge brushed Wen Qi's hand with the hiss of meat striking a hot pan. Wen Qi released her. No blood came from the wound, only gray smoke.