The estate was silent, but inside Julian’s private study, the air crackled with tension. The dim glow of a single desk lamp cast long shadows across the dark wood and leather-bound books lining the shelves. Outside, the city’s skyline was a distant blur of lights, a world that seemed determined to turn against him.
Julian stood near the massive window, hands in his pockets, his reflection staring back at him like a ghost of the man he used to be.
Cecile sat across from him, legs crossed, flipping through a thick folder. “The board will move against you within forty-eight hours. They already have the votes. If you don’t act now, Julian, you’ll be ousted by the end of the week.”
Julian didn’t move, his expression carved from stone.
Cecile sighed, slamming the folder shut. “I assume silen
