Lola gripped the edge of the conference table, her nails digging into the polished wood as the voices around her blurred into meaningless noise. Another victory. Another battle won in a war that seemed endless. The board had finally voted in her favor, stripping Desmond of his last remaining influence over the company, and yet, instead of relief, all she felt was exhaustion pressing against her ribs like a vice.
“Lola?” Yemi’s voice cut through the tension, low and controlled, but she could hear the concern beneath it.
She lifted her gaze, meeting his dark, searching eyes. He was the only one who could see through the mask she wore so well.
“I’m fine,” she said, forcing a smile she didn’t feel.
Yemi didn’t believe her. She could tell by the way his jaw tightened. But he didn’t push. No
