CHAPTER 19

Sophia's P.O.V.

The boardroom was cloaked in an oppressive silence, every eye fixed on me as I entered. My pulse was quick, fueled by a simmering anger I had been suppressing for days. "For too long, I've ignored these rumors," I began, my voice low but sharp, "but now they've grown into the greatest threat this empire has ever faced."

My words hung in the air, and I watched as the weight of them settled on the faces of my executives. Their expressions ranged from nervous to downright grim, each of them aware of the situation, though none dared to speak until prompted. The tension was palpable, the atmosphere so thick you could almost cut it with a knife. "I'm sure you all know exactly what I'm talking about. Or does anyone here want to deny it?" I challenged, my gaze moving deliberately from one face to the next.