The late afternoon sun poured through the high arched windows of the executive boardroom, painting the polished mahogany table in long streaks of warm amber light. The remaining directors sat in stunned silence, still recovering from the quiet fury that had just swept through the room.
Ethan stood at the head of the table, his broad shoulders relaxed and his dark hand resting securely over Sophia’s fingers.
"If there are no further motions to strip leadership," Ethan said, his deep voice smooth and clear, "I suggest we adjourn this meeting so everyone can return to their families."
A senior director, a silver-haired gentleman named Arthur who had served alongside Ethan’s father for twenty years, cleared his throat softly. He stood up and offered Ethan and Sophia a deep, respectful nod.
