The whisper of betrayal often begins behind closed doors.

Elena Rossi knew this. She had grown up in boardrooms, watching men who shook hands in public dismantle each other in private. Yet nothing could have prepared her for the sound of Alessia Romano’s honeyed voice curling through the half-open door of the conference room.

"…she is emotional, fragile. Grief has clouded her judgment. If Rossi Textiles is to survive, perhaps we need someone more… steady."

Elena froze mid-step, her ...