Daniel’s POV
“I’m fine,” I told the doctor. “Healthy enough to be discharged. I’ll schedule follow-up appointments.”
I’m not sleeping here. Not while my company falls apart without me.
****
Monday morning, the boardroom feels smaller than it used to.
Twelve faces stare at me from across the mahogany table. Some are sympathetic. Most hostile.
Marcus Hale sits at the far end, perfectly tailored suit, predator's smile. He's been circling for months. Now he's moving in to strike.
"Gentlemen. Ladies." My father's voice—Richard Sterling —cuts through the tension. He stands at the head of the table, looking every bit the ruthless businessman who built this empire. "Let's begin."
I remain standing. Refusing to sit feels like the last bit of control I have left.
"The quarterly reports spe
