The first whisper came during a midday investor call.

Simone was seated across from me in the glass conference room, tablet in hand, when the client on speaker asked, too casually, “And will Juliana Cross be available to lead the Capsule Eight Q&A next quarter? I heard there was… some movement on the board.”

Simone didn’t flinch. I met her eyes, then leaned forward, voice even.

“I’ll be leading it. Capsule Eight is under my direction. There’s no ambiguity about that.”

A ...