As the last words left her lips, the entire board room plunged into dead silence. Every eyes locked onto Lila, who stood composure-personified at the center of the room.
The CEO stared at her for several long seconds, his brow creasing into deep furrows. "Back then, on his deathbed, the elder Mr. Sterling entrusted this company to you. He wanted you by my side to build the Sterling Group. Now, out of nowhere, you're stepping down? Have I done something to offend you?"
Lila's voice was measured, devoid of hesitation. "You are more than capable of helming the empire on your own now. There's no longer any need for me to interfere. I ask that you accept my resignation."
No one in that room was fool enough to miss the truth: she wasn't playing tactics. She was truly divesting herself of ever
