Cecilia walked in front, leading them toward the meeting room. Her dress rustled lightly with each step, contrasting with the heavy footsteps behind her. Cedric followed with a grim expression. His shoulders slumped. Meanwhile, his hands were clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
Cecilia glanced over once. That small movement was enough to see Cedric's hands trembling. She knew him too well to think it was simply anger. There was something deeper. A mixture of fear, anxiety, and... disappointment that she couldn't quite put into words.
Cecilia let out a long sigh. She had never wanted to hurt any of them. But the men following her seemed too impatient to hear her explanation.
"Let's use this room."
Cecilia stopped in front of an empty meeting room and ushered Cedric and the others inside. The meeting room door closed behind them as they all entered, drowning out the hustle and bustle of party preparations outside.
