Clairessa’s POV
I slammed the elevator button, my heart pounding with fear. I was late for an 8 a.m. meeting with Gabriel—an emergency meeting, no less. The email had only come through two hours ago. This had to be his way of punishing me. I just knew it. The man probably got a kick out of watching me scramble like this.
Normally, I was an early riser, but after the stressful week I’d had, dragging myself out of bed was a feat in itself. By the time I reached the boardroom, Gabriel was already there, seated at the head of the table. My nerves spiked as I glanced around. Where was the rest of the team?
I slipped inside quietly, taking my seat at the far end of the table. I wanted to put as much distance as possible between us.
Gabriel’s stern gaze locked onto me, sending a shive
