I watched the messages stack up, a digital brick wall being built to keep me out. Three dots pulsed under my brother’s name, signaling the final blow.

Brother: Amanda thinks I come from a family of achievers. Having you there would complicate that narrative. You understand, right?

I felt a cold, dry laugh build in my chest, but it never reached my lips. My executive assistant, David, knocked on the glass door of my office. He looked apologetic, clutching a tablet like a shield.

“Miss Chin, the board wants to move up tomorrow’s strategy session. They’re concerned about the Davis & Polk timeline.”

I held up one finger, my eyes still fixed on the phone.

Dad: We’re doing this for you, too, sweetie. You wouldn’t feel comfortable anyway. Amanda’s friends are all Ivy League lawyers and investment bankers. Her father is a senior partner at Sullivan & Cromwell. These are serious people.

Serious people.