The leak about Lucien's past did exactly what it was meant to do. It shifted attention.
The talk in the morning was no longer about Horizon Logistics or the story of the failed merger. Instead, analysts and commentators picked apart Lucien's past deals, questioning his leadership, methods, and judgment.
Seraphina stood in the strategy room, watching the cycle unfold again. It followed the same pattern as before, but this time the target was personal.
Lucien entered quietly. "They moved fast," he said.
Seraphina nodded. "Yes."
Lucien walked toward the screen. "They are trying to isolate me," he said.
Seraphina turned toward him. "They are trying to weaken your position before the board acts," she said.
Lucien crossed his arms. "They want the vote to feel inevitable."
Seraphina nodded. "Yes."
Lucien's gaze remained fixed on the screen. "And if they succeed?"
Seraphina did not hesitate. "Then the company fractures from the inside," she said.
