James’s POV
The call came at 8:02 a.m.
Not from my father.
Not from Marcus.
From Judith Carrington — the family trust’s lead legal advisor and the sharpest voice on the board.
“James,” she said, “I’ll be direct.”
She always was.
“The board has scheduled a vote. They’re done waiting. You have twenty-four hours to accept the seat and all its legal authority — or forfeit it. Permanently.”
I said nothing.
“There’s no third option,” she added. “If you walk away, the chair goes to Marcus by default. The bylaws are clear.”
My jaw clenched.
Of course Marcus had planned it this way. Corner me with legacy or loss. No middle ground. No negotiation.
I looked across the room at Melinda, who was making pancakes with Elijah on a step stool.
Elena was already dressed, pretending to be a CEO w
