CHAPTER 38: TERMS OF POWER
The conference room was already occupied when Lena and Elias entered. The partner’s senior oversight executive stood near the window, back half-turned, as if admiring the skyline rather than preparing for confrontation. His composure was deliberate, calm without being relaxed, confident without appearing careless. He turned as the door closed behind them, offering a polite nod that carried none of the warmth expected in partnership. “Ms. Moreau,” he said smoothly. “Mr. Hale.” Elias didn’t bother correcting him. Names, titles, and small inaccuracies were tools in conversations like this, signals of what someone chose to respect and what they dismissed. Lena moved to the head of the table without invitation, setting a thin folder in front of her. She didn’t sit i
