The doors to the boardroom loomed before us, heavy and polished like gates to an execution chamber. My palms were slick, my heartbeat a drum in my throat. Alia’s hand tightened around mine, her grip steady despite the faint tremor in her body. “Whatever happens,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, “we don’t break.” I nodded, though the knot in my stomach threatened to undo me. When we pushed the doors open, the weight of the room hit us like a wall. Every seat was filled. The long mahogany table gleamed under harsh white lights, lined with the faces of the board and stakeholders. At the far end sat Richard, his posture stiff, his expression carved in stone. His eyes flicked to me once, just once, before he looked away. Maria was there too, seated with her mother at her side. Mrs. Couger radiated fury, her sharp suit as immaculate as her posture, her eyes burning with venom. But the seat beside her was empty. Mr. Couger was nowhere to be seen. And neither Damien nor Cassandr
Last Updated : 2025-09-01 Read more