(Evelina's POV — Hartgrave Corporation Conference Room—Continuation)
The question hit the table like a blade.
"And why should I trust Miss Hartgrave… who just joined the company?"
The room froze.
Kael's eyes flicked toward me, sharp with disdain—almost pleased, as if waiting to watch me crumble. Arden glared, as if daring me to embarrass the family. Lucien tensed like he was preparing to intervene. Father's jaw tightened, but he didn't speak.
Because this wasn't his question to answer.
It was mine.
Theo Vinter leaned back in his chair, posture unhurried, gaze ruthless. His fingers rested against one another lightly—as if he held my future between them.
"Go on," he murmured, almost bored. "I'm listening."
My heart picked up. Once. Hard. But my face didn't shift. My voice didn't break.
I met his eyes steadily.
"Because trust," I said quietly, "isn't built on time. It's built on capability."
