As Jay and Erica entered the conference room, Sarah, Jay's stern secretary, stood by the door, her gaze sharp and unwavering. Jay's authoritative presence filled the room, commanding attention as he took his place at the head of the table.
"Sit," Jay commanded, his tone brooking no argument. Erica hesitated for a moment, but the steeliness in Jay's eyes left her with little choice. She lowered herself into the chair beside him, her stomach churning with apprehension.
Across from them, Jay's family sat in stoic silence, their expressions unreadable as they regarded Erica with a mixture of curiosity and scrutiny. She shifted uncomfortably under their gaze, acutely aware of her status as an outsider in their midst.
Jay cleared his throat, his voice cutting through the tense silence like a
