Silence lingered long after the boardroom lights dimmed.

The doors had closed behind Claire like the final act of a crumbling empire, yet Emma could still feel her shadow—sharp and cold—as if the woman had left a fracture in the very air. The silence wasn’t victory. It was aftermath.

Jack stood next to her, gaze distant, knuckles white where they gripped the edge of the board table. Callen remained near the security console, arms crossed, ever watchful. The board had spoken. The votes ...