The request for a leadership review did not remain contained for long. Within an hour, financial media began reporting it as a developing situation. The phrasing varied across outlets, but the implication remained the same. Ashford Group was under pressure, and its leadership was being questioned.
Seraphina stood in the strategy room, watching the updates appear across multiple screens. Each new headline reinforced the same narrative.
Lucien entered without announcing himself. "The board wants another session," he said.
Seraphina did not turn immediately. "They will," she replied.
Lucien stepped beside her. "They are not asking this time," he said. "They are pushing."
Seraphina nodded slightly. "Yes."
Lucien studied her profile. "What do we do?" he asked.
Seraphina finally turned to face him. "We do not react."
Lucien's expression shifted. "Why?"
Seraphina walked toward the table and placed her phone down. "This is not the moment to counter directly," she said.
