The email arrives marked Discreet.
Evelyn reads the subject line twice before opening it.
Board Consultation — Wellness & Alignment.
The tone is warm. The language measured. We value your contributions. We want to ensure sustainable leadership. Closed-door session, 14:00. Attendance requested.
Requested.
Her badge had recalibrated the night before. Access reduced in two sectors. Elevated in none.
She arrives at fourteen precisely.
The meeting room is not the main board chamber. It’s smaller. Windowless. The table oval, but tighter—chairs placed close enough that knees nearly brush beneath it. Water glasses already poured. Notepads aligned.
Her name card is not at the head.
It’s two seats down from center.
Julian sits to her right. Liora across from her. Three senior directors com
