The grand dining room had been transformed into a makeshift courtroom.
The massive table seated fifteen people—the entire Cross family board of trustees, key executives, and family members. All mandatory attendees for what Catherine had called "an emergency intervention regarding the future of Cross Group and the family reputation."
Lily sat at one end of the table, feeling like she was facing a firing squad.
Jacob sat beside her, his hand gripping hers under the table so tightly it almost hurt. On her other side, surprisingly, sat Grandpa Henry—who had insisted on attending despite Dr. Chen's protests.
"I'll be damned if I miss the fireworks," the old man had said, looking frailer than ever but with a determined glint in his eye.
Across from them sat Molly, playing the role of concerned cousin to perfection—appropriate black dress, minimal makeup, tissues clutched in her hand.
