Severing the Lifeline

The conference room was quiet. The only sound was the shuffle of papers, pens scratching, and soft clicks from laptops.

Sylvie sat at the head of the table. Reports spread before her: financial statements, shipping contracts, acquisition proposals. Charts showing revenue flows, supply chains, numbers, and notes. Every line mattered. Every figure could be a weapon.

Evander Mercer sat beside her. Ca