The air inside the top-floor boardroom of Ashdown Enterprises was thick with the high-stakes tension of a multi-million-dollar deal. The regional expansion meeting had been going on for over three hours, a grueling marathon of legalities, financial projections, and territorial strategies. The heavy mahogany table was littered with tablets, printed financial briefs, and half-empty cups of black coffee. At the head of the table sat Dominic, his expression an unreadable mask of intense concentration. Outwardly, he was entirely focused on the presentation being delivered by the regional expansion directors, but his jaw remained tightly clenched, a low hum of protective anxiety vibrating beneath his skin.
Across the room, the heavy glass doors opened quietly. It was highly unusual for anyone t
