Jake leaned back in his chair, half-listening to the logistics reports being read out, his gaze fixed elsewhere. Charlotte’s voice cut through the noise, sharp and deliberate, the kind of tone meant to wound.

She stood at Zara’s side, heels clicking in small, controlled steps as she hovered. “You’re sure about this seating chart? I’d hate for you to embarrass us in front of the board.” Her smile was pleasant. Her words weren’t.

Zara didn’t look up from the clipboard. ...