The west conference room was humming with false confidence.
Polished crystal lined the long glass table, portfolios stacked neat in front of every investor and family member. Matthieu Saint-Claire stood at the head, speaking like a man rehearsing his coronation.
"…and as interim CEO," Matthieu declared, spreading his arms as if the company were a church congregation, "I will finalize the Shanghai expansion immediately. Effective today, all new contracts and acquisitions will be routed through my office."
Nods moved down the table. Investors scribbled notes. Andrei smirked like a wolf fattening on scraps. Antoinette's smile glittered sharp.
The double doors opened.
The sound cracked the air.
Every head turned.
Nicolas Saint-Claire walked in.
He didn't hurry. He didn't bow. He simply walked with his black suit sharp against the marble, his presence sharper still. His eyes were shadowed, lined with exhaustion, but steady.
