Hi told me Lantern Ridge could publicly support my reinstatement. 5.7% alone mattered, but his reputation with long-term shareholders would matter more. If he issued a public statement before the board review directors would understand that a sophisticated institutional investor believed the case against me had failed, and wavering shareholders would almost certainly increase pressure. For one dangerous second, I imagined saying, "Yes, no." He studied me.
You do not have to decide because you are angry. I am not. That was when I knew my answer was right. I appreciate the offer, but I am not going back into that room behind your name. You would not be.
I would know I did. I leaned forward. Every decision I made afterward would carry the same question. Did Genevieve earn her way back or did Malachi Green decide she deserved the seat? You already have people helping you.
Nadia is my attorney. Witnesses are telling the truth because they chose to. That is different. Then I told him I had traced more of what he had done. The research suggestion, the consortium, the conversations he had quietly encouraged among investors.
Whatever is still moving because of you, stop. He looked at me for a long moment. If that is what you want, it is all right. I believed him. That did not mean I was ready to stay.
Nadia had offered me her guest room so we could work without the tension of the house. I packed that night. Immani sat at the kitchen table when I carried my bag downstairs. You're leaving? She said for a little while.
Are you coming back? Coming back? I wanted to promise yes, but I had spent too many years making commitments to say words I could not guarantee. I hope so. She nodded.
I reached the door before she called my name. Genevieve. I turned. Lower heat. My throat tightened.
I remember. Then I walked out. At Nadia's house, the final board review felt closer than ever. One director had moved toward us. Another had moved away.
Ronin still had support. Helixor still had money. The evidence was stronger, but it was not complete. Nadia asked whether I was certain I wanted Malachi out of the fight. No, I said.