The early morning air inside Vosstech's headquarters was colder than usual, laced with quiet tension. Word of the secret board meeting had spread. Whispers followed Nathan through the halls like shadows. He could feel eyes on him—watching, judging, doubting.
Inside the boardroom, the atmosphere had changed. It was no longer about threats—it was about bait. Victor and Damien were smug, confident, leaning back in their seats like wolves waiting for the lamb to walk into the trap.
Nathan stepped in without hesitation.
"Let's make this quick," he said coldly.
Farrow stood, clearing his throat. "Nathan, the board has reached a consensus. We're giving you a single project to complete before your birthday—four months from now."
"Expansion into the APAC biotech sector," Corinne added. "It's been shelved due to insurmountable barriers—regulatory issues, lack of local partnerships, hostile markets. But if you can open a viable partnership, deploy infrastructure, and secure a research pipeline by your birthday…"
"…then we will accept your succession as CEO without opposition," Farrow finished.
Victor smiled. "And if you fail, well… perhaps the board will recommend we extend my tenure. Or choose someone new."
Nathan didn't flinch. "You're handing me a graveyard project. One you failed to launch five times."
"Exactly," Damien replied. "Let's see if your bravado matches your ability."
Nathan walked to the head of the table, slowly letting his eyes meet each member's. "You want me to build a city in a storm. Fine. I'll do it."
Leone, one of Nathan's few allies, leaned in. "Nathan—think this through. It's dangerous. If they sabotage you…"
"I know." His voice was firm. "But if I back down now, they'll tear me apart anyway."
Victor rose from his seat, smug and calm. "Then we're agreed. The test begins now."
Nathan stepped back. "And when I succeed—don't expect mercy."
As the doors closed behind him, Nathan walked down the corridor in silence, a war building behind his eyes. His thoughts were loud, chaotic. He had four months to pull off what five past CEOs had failed. And if he didn't… everything—his legacy, his father's dream, his truth—would burn.
He turned a corner sharply—and stopped.
There she was.
Stephanie Quinn, her hair pulled back in a sharp ponytail, files in hand, walking straight toward him. She paused, her eyes locking on his. Something in his gaze caught her breath—a glimmer of fear masked beneath all that defiance. He looked exhausted, furious, vulnerable.
She opened her mouth, but the silence between them said too much.
He kept walking.
So did she.
And in that quiet hallway, as they passed each other without a single word, it felt like the echo of something broken—and something not yet healed.