Elena's POV

I rose slowly from my seat, pressing my hands lightly against the edge of the conference table.

My legs tingled, reminding me that I had been sitting for far too long, but I refused to let it show. I forced a calm smile onto my face. Stella and Silvia were watching me closely, their eyes sharp and calculating. I could almost feel the expectation in the room, like a physical weight pressing against my chest.

“I’ve prepared an electronic copy as well,” I said softly, ...