The clink of cutlery had barely settled into a comfortable rhythm when Desmond cleared his throat. "Major shareholders are pulling out," he said quietly. "They're moving their shares to Ashkael Holdings." The words landed like a dropped plate.
The warm glow of the chandelier suddenly felt cold. Even the food on Seraphine's plate lost its appeal. A heavy silence spread across the dining table, thick and suffocating, pressing into everyone's chest.
Desmond immediately regretted opening his mouth due to the reaction he got. Seraphine's fingers slipped from her fork, it clattered against the porcelain, the sound sharp in the quiet room.
Guilt surged through her like a wave she couldn't outrun, her throat tightened. "This is my fault."
Everyone looked at her, as she he pushed her chair back slightly, her voice shaking despite her effort to stay composed.
