CASSIAN
"You're using too many words," I interrupted. I didn't raise my voice. I didn't have to. The consultant stopped mid-sentence, his mouth hanging open.
I pulled out my phone, ignoring the shocked gasps from the board members. To them, I was being a petulant child. To me, they were white noise. I opened my messages and texted Mrs. Chen.
Check if he's awake. Let me know if he needs anything.
I hit send and pocketed the phone, checking my watch with a deliberate, slow movement. The message was clear: You are boring me. Get to the point or shut up.
The meeting pivoted. The room began to discuss the logistics of who would sign off on the next development phase now that Alex was… gone.
The silence that followed the question was heavy. Eyes shifted toward my father, then toward the legal team, then toward me.
"Cassian will handle it," my father said. His voice was calm, measured. It wasn't a suggestion. It was a public declaration of succession.
