The boardroom felt different that morning.
Not louder.
Not dramatic.
Just heavy.
The air pressed against my lungs as I walked in. Every seat was occupied. The long glass table stretched between us like a barrier I wasn't meant to cross.
Files were placed neatly before each member.
Mine was thicker.
I stood at the center of the room, palms slightly damp, heartbeat loud in my ears.
Victor sat at the head of the table.
Chairman of the board.
His face was unreadable.
He did not look at me.
"Mrs. Alyssa Raymond," one of the directors began calmly, adjusting his glasses. "Please explain how a revised vendor contract worth millions was approved under your signature without proper verification."
My throat tightened.
"I reviewed the documents that were presented to me," I said carefully. "They were handed to me by Luciana from procurement. I checked the summary pages and supporting documents before signing."
A board member leaned forward.
