Victor’s POV

The conference room emptied, but the stifling mood of our ongoing disagreement remained.

Rose hadn’t moved where she stood, folded arms, posture screaming stay back. I could feel the indignation radiating off of her in palpable waves but saw something deeper beneath. Hurt.

I exhaled, striving to maintain a smooth tone. "There is no point in making something appear to be wrong between us in front of everyone."

Her reaction was instinctive—sharp, bitter laughter, the ...