Janelle slowly turned to look at Raya with a whole new level of respect—and fear.
Janelle cleared her throat, adjusting her blazer as she tried to regain her usual footing. "Well, Raya... let me introduce you to the team and—"
"Just for the record," Raya interrupted smoothly, her voice calm but entirely firm. She took a step forward, looking Janelle straight in the eyes. "I don't want any special treatment or anyone being afraid to be honest with me regarding work. So please don't let Killian—I mean, Mr. Blackwood—put a wedge where it shouldn't be."
Janelle blinked, genuinely caught off guard by Raya's directness. The tension in the CMO's shoulders visibly relaxed, a glimmer of genuine respect finally breaking through her stiff, corporate mask.
"I appreciate you saying that," Janelle a
