The Hawke Industries boardroom had never felt so hostile.
Amelia sat at the long, gleaming table, the faces of the board members arrayed like a firing squad across from her. Lionel Grant sat at the head, his expression unreadable. Beside him, Isabelle Mercer leaned back in her chair, an elegant predator awaiting the final blow.
The scandal hung in the air, thick and choking.
Sebastian was also present, three chairs from Amelia, his body stiffness reflecting stress. Never taking his gaze off her, he wordlessly sent power across the battlefield.
Amelia crossed her fingers tightly around her knees to stop them from shaking.
Lionel cleared his throat. “Ms. Hawke, given the... revelations brought to light, we thought it prudent to allow you to explain yourself before we determine the best
