The Monday morning board meeting felt heavier than usual. The elevator ride to the top floor was quiet, the hum of the cabin masking the growing anticipation in my chest. Julian had called this meeting personally. That meant more than the usual quarterly reviews—it meant scrutiny, judgment, and exposure.
I adjusted the collar of my blouse and smoothed the crease of my skirt, trying to project calm. But even as an Executive Strategy Liaison, walking into the full boardroom with Julian at my side was intimidating. Thirty pairs of eyes would dissect every movement, every nuance, every subtle glance between us.
The doors opened, and Julian led the way. The board members were already seated, their postures rigid, expressions a mixture of curiosity, suspicion, and barely-contained irritation.
