The penthouse glowed in soft amber light, the city glittering beneath the wide glass windows. Samantha sat at the marble bar in a silk white nightdress, the fabric flowing like liquid against her skin, cinched neatly at the waist with a golden belt. She crossed one leg over the other, posture perfect, every movement deliberate. Across from her, Jake swirled a glass of whiskey while Lynn, neat as always, leaned forward with a tablet resting on her lap.
Samantha broke the silence first, her voice low but sharp.
"Tell me honestly," she said, turning her gaze to Jake. "Do you think the way I dealt with Shelly in public was the right move?"
Jake's eyes lifted, calm yet unwavering. He set the glass down and leaned forward.
"What you did wasn't wrong, Sam. You've always made the best decisions for yourself and for Elevate. Shelly tried to drag this company's name through the mud. You stopped her before she could tarnish everything we've built. That wasn't cruelty—it was leadership."
