Behind him, Scarlett Hayes, radiant in a sharp, silver power suit, stepped into view, her posture erect, her gaze as icy as ever. Her presence, a potent symbol of corporate strength and new-world power, sent a fresh wave of whispers through the room.
"Father," Zayn said, his voice even, yet it cut through the room like a scalpel. He walked into the room, his gaze sweeping over the astonished faces of the board members, lingering for a fraction of a second on Vanessa’s pale, furious face. "It's been too long since I’ve had a proper welcome."
Arthur’s face flushed an angry crimson. "Zayn! I told you, you are not welcome here! You have no standing! You are a disgrace to the Carter name! Get out before I have you forcibly removed!"
"Forcibly removed?" Zayn chuckled, a low, humorless sound.
