The door closed behind the security team with a soft click that felt deafening in Isabella's silent office. She stood motionless, staring at the space Liam had occupied moments before, her expression carved from stone. Only when she was certain she was alone did she allow herself to sink slowly into her chair, the weight of the last hour pressing down on her shoulders.
Her phone buzzed again—Jeremy, for the third time in fifteen minutes. With a controlled breath, she answered.
"Isabella Ashworth."
"Isabella," Jeremy's voice carried an unusual urgency. "I've just spoken with Seraphina. This is worse than we thought. The board needs to be informed immediately."
Isabella traced a finger along the edge of her desk, her voice deliberately measured. "It's nearly one in the morning, Jeremy. The board doesn't need to be awakened for this."
"This isn't just about Campbell's betrayal," Jeremy pressed. "The potential financial implications—"
