Eleven silent faces stared back.

No support. No rescue.

Only distance.

Because power changes rooms faster than truth.

Dominic turned toward Sierra desperately.

“Sierra, say something.”

But Sierra looked terrified.

Not loyal.

Terrified.

Eliza noticed immediately.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Arthur continued reading.

“Additionally, company assets including the Charleston penthouse, executive vehicles, and discretionary accounts remain property of Vale Holdings.”

Dominic froze.

“The penthouse belongs to the trust,” Arthur clarified.

“You have seventy-two hours to vacate.”

For the first time since entering the room, Dominic genuinely looked afraid.

Everything visible in his life suddenly evaporated.

The penthouse. The company. The authority. The illusion.

He stared at Eliza as if seeing her for the first time.

“You planned this.”

“No,” she answered.

“You planned last night.”

The room fell silent again.

Dominic’s jaw tightened violently.

“You think this destroys me?”

Eliza said nothing.

He laughed bitterly.

“I made this company famous. Investors trust me.”

“Some do,” Eliza admitted.

Then she tilted her head slightly.

“But investors also dislike fraud investigations.”

Arthur slid one final document forward.

Dominic read the title.

FORMAL NOTICE — FEDERAL FINANCIAL REVIEW.

His face lost color.

“That’s not real.”

“It is now,” Arthur replied.

Sierra stood abruptly.

“You told me everything was legal.”

Dominic snapped toward her.

“Sit down.”

Fear sharpened Sierra’s voice.

“You said the expenses were approved.”

“They were.”

“You used company funds on the Aspen property.”

Dominic glared.

“Careful.”

But Sierra suddenly understood something horrifying.

Dominic no longer had power.

And powerless men become dangerous.

She stepped backward.

“I’m getting a lawyer.”

Dominic grabbed her wrist instantly.

The room stiffened.

“Don’t be stupid,” he hissed.

Eliza watched carefully.

There it was.

The real Dominic.

Not charming. Not polished.

Possessive. Desperate.

Sierra yanked free.

“You said your wife was weak.”

Dominic glanced toward Eliza.

For one split second, shame flickered across his face.

Then vanished.

“Get out,” he snarled.

Sierra didn’t hesitate.

She left immediately.

The boardroom doors closed behind her with a heavy metallic sound.

Dominic remained motionless.

Alone now.

Truly alone.

Eliza gathered her documents calmly.

“This meeting is finished.”

Directors began standing.

Nobody looked at Dominic anymore.

He became invisible astonishingly fast.

Only Eliza remained.

He stared at her while the room emptied.

“How long?” he asked quietly.

She paused.

“How long what?”

“How long have you hated me?”

Eliza looked genuinely surprised.

“I never hated you.”

“Then why do this?”

A sad smile touched her face.

“Because eventually, Dominic, consequences arrive whether powerful men believe in them or not.”

He stepped closer.

“You still love me.”

The confidence sounded automatic. Habitual.

Eliza studied him silently.

Maybe once she had.

Once.

But love cannot survive becoming scenery.