I watched the standoff between Nathaniel and Caleb Beaumont with growing unease. The boardroom had fallen completely silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.
Nathaniel's face remained impassive, but I could see the subtle tightening around his eyes. His fingers drummed once on the polished mahogany table before going still.
"Mr. Beaumont," he finally said, his voice dangerously soft, "perhaps we should discuss this in private."
Caleb smiled thinly. "I don't see why. Your executives should know the full terms of our agreement."
"Very well." Nathaniel leaned forward slightly. "The promotion schedule for employees of Ricardo Group is non-negotiable. Especially when attempted as leverage in unrelated business matters."
"You misunderstand me," Caleb replied. "This isn't leverage. It's a condition."
I glanced at the executives around the table. Several looked uncomfortable, while others were carefully studying their notepads, avoiding eye contact with either man.
