Seraphina's Point Of View
"Start explaining."
I winced. Not outwardly, of course. I maintained my calm, composed expression, all Director-level professionalism and corporate polish.
But internally?
I wanted to hunt down those three men and personally revoke their right to breathe peacefully. How could they do this? How could they announce my promotion without warning me first? Without even the courtesy of a heads-up?
The imaginary conversation played in my mind: "Congratulations, Ms. Vale, here's your promotion… and also your public execution via company gossip."
Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic.
I drew in a slow breath, pressing my lips together as I studied Rose across the desk. My heart hammered against my ribs, though I willed my hands to remain steady.
She wasn't moving. Wasn't blinking. She simply sat there, statue-still, her dark eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. Waiting. Judging. Preparing to dissect my soul with surgical precision.
