ALICE
The next morning the board members and shareholders called an emergency meeting and I dreadfully went.
I took my seat at the head of the table, setting my tablet down with steady hands even though my chest felt tight.
Distraught was too small a word for how I felt, but I had learned long ago that composure was not optional in rooms like this.
One of the major shareholders cleared his throat. “Alice, the situation has deteriorated overnight,” he said. “Factories are closed. Investors are demanding explanations. We need answers now.”
“I am aware,” I replied. “And I am working on them.”
Alex leaned forward immediately, his expression sharp with impatience. “Working on them is not enough,” he said. “People are dying, Alice. The public believes your medicine caused it, and so far a
