CHAPTER 7: Brooke Learns the Altitude

Brooke had believed height meant safety.
On the ground, there were offices, assistants, wives, calendars, doormen, and cameras. In the air, she had imagined only Ryan, champagne, and the future she thought would open when Claire finally signed herself out of the story.
She had not understood that a sealed cabin could become a courtroom faster than any boardroom.
"This is between you two," Brooke said, her voice thinner than before.
Claire looked at the diamond on her hand.
"No, Brooke. You crossed out my name on draft authorizations. You scheduled the trustee meeting. You sent the landing instruction. That makes you administrative, romantic, and legally useful. Choose which one frightens you least."
A banker coughed once into his fist.
Ryan turned on Brooke with his eyes before he could stop himself. The glance said enough. He had brought her for decoration, not survival.
Brooke saw it and finally removed her hand from the armrest he was gripping.