AUTHORS POV

She walked slowly to the table, skirts whispering across the carpet. She did not speak until she reached the seat beside Pedro—his own. The board members froze, mouths half-open.

“Excuse me,” she said, voice calm but carrying. “Get out of my chair.”

Pedro rose, straightening his jacket, stunned. “Tessa—what are you doing here?” he asked, voice echoing in the sudden stillness.

Tessa pulled up from his seat by his tie and flanked it over his shoulder, then took his seat. She placed her bag on her lap and regarded the room with those cool, unerring eyes. “Next time you intend to host a board meeting,” she said, “you...