(Emery’s POV)
The boardroom smelled like old money and polished lies.
Emery stood in front of the table, hands folded gently over the curve of her belly, heart pounding beneath her ribcage like it wanted out.
Luca sat to her right, jaw tense. Blake sat to her left, arms crossed, heels kicked out defiantly like she had nothing left to lose.
The dean cleared his throat. “Miss Carter, you’re here today to clarify your role in the release of confidential documents related to the Caldwell Foundation, Halston University, and several key members of our leadership.”
Emery nodded once. “Yes. And I will.”
She glanced at Blake — who, to her surprise, gave the smallest nod back.
“We have a lot to say.”
⸻
The first half of the hearing was cold, clinical, stiff.
Blake spoke first — confirming
