James's gaze lingered on Adelyn for a second.
He wanted to give her a chance —for Freya's sake —but amid the strong opposition from the investors, he simply didn't hold the authority to push the decision through.
In the end, he could only refuse.
Through it all —
Adelyn said nothing.
She sat there quietly.
No defense.
No explanation.
No emotion.
Just stillness.
Her stillness like that, however, only drew a different kind of attention.
At the far end of the table, Camden Rhodes —the director —had not spoken once. He had been watching her … studying her the entire time. Since the moment she had stepped in the room.
Not her reputation.
Not the conversation about her.
Not Freya's persuasion on her behalf.
Just … her.
Her silence.
Her posture.
The way she was absorbing pressure without shrinking.
The way her gaze remained level —not defiant, not submissive. Simply measured.
He had to admit —he was impressed.
