The boardroom of Carter Industries was a far cry from the battlefield it had been just weeks earlier. The air was lighter, the tension replaced by a cautious optimism as Liam stood at the head of the table, his posture confident but not arrogant. Ava sat beside him, her fingers tracing the edge of the leather portfolio in front of her. The board members watched them with a mix of curiosity and respect, the weight of the past months still fresh in their minds.
The chairman cleared his throat, his voice formal. “Liam, the board has reviewed your proposal for the future of Carter Industries. We’re impressed. But we have one final question before we vote.”
Liam’s voice was steady. “Ask it.”
The chairman’s gaze flicked to Ava, then back to Liam. “What role will she play in this new vision?”
