Elena's POV
Silence clung to the boardroom like static. No one moved.
Clarissa crossed one leg over the other—slow and calculated—her fingers laced over the folder in her lap. "You're emotional, Elena," she said coolly. "That's understandable. But business requires logic, not legacy."
I tilted my head. "Is that what this is? Logic?"
Derick chuckled. "You've been gone a week. Do you even know how much damage control we've had to do in your absence?"
"My absence was necessary," I replied, meeting his eyes. "And unless you want to talk about why—" I let the silence stretch, "—I suggest you tread carefully."
Clarissa straightened. "We're only trying to protect what's ours."
"What's mine," I corrected sharply.
A murmur spread down the table. One of the older board members cleared his throat, but no one dared interrupt.
