Chapter 29

• Valerie strode confidently into the grand lobby of Whitmore's Law Firm, the prestigious office that had handled her grandfather Henry Ashford's legal affairs for decades. She approached the receptionist's desk with polished poise.
• "Good morning, miss," Valerie greeted the woman cordially. "I would like to request a meeting with Mr. Whitmore, please, if he's available."
• The receptionist eyed her appraisingly. "Do you have an appointment scheduled, ma'am?"