Chapter 230

• The Capital Ethics Bureau had launched a formal inquiry into the recent media scandal targeting me. As the fabricated rumors had been traced back to Hazel Sterling’s network one of the city’s most powerful old-money families it was standard protocol for the Bureau to investigate her directly.
• But Hazel was no fool. She had mastered the art of public diplomacy long ago. Knowing her status afforded her a shield, she responded predictably: by offering a scapegoat.
• Anthony Sinclair, who had taken charge of the situation due to his longstanding ties to both families, approached Hazel's legal team with delicacy. The conversation was all smiles and subtle implications classic boardroom politics wrapped in silk gloves. Hazel pinned the blame on a lower-tier communications consultant from her foundation, claiming the individual had acted independently. Anthony accepted the gesture for what it was: a transactional offering. No need to escalate. He returned to the Bureau with the fall guy in tow, filing the matter as officially “addressed.”