– Laura –
Damien had left before the board meeting. I walked him to the elevator—partly as a show, partly because I didn't want to let go just yet. It was all scandalous by design, and judging by the looks we got, the show worked.
"Catch you later, beautiful," he winked.
I mirrored his wink, but once the elevator doors slid shut, the warmth in my chest cooled. I straightened my jacket, swallowed the flicker of nerves rising in me, and turned back toward the boardroom. My sister walked beside me in silence.
We entered the room, and everyone took their seats. Livana sat at the head of the table, her presence dominating even without sight. Her sunglasses remained on, a silent barrier that made her unreadable. I took my seat beside her.
The room fell into hushed tension.
