“The current number of retail sites that are accepting orders has declined by twenty-four percent compared to last year,” she said clearly.Her voice didn’t shake.“The factory contracted to produce the new line has already called to say they can’t fulfill the order volume, which will reduce projected revenue by an additional twelve percent.”
She took a breath, meeting Saif’s eyes.
“And the cost of manufacturing the line has increased by five point four percent, which will further impact profitability.”
Saif’s eyebrows pulled together.“Why the hell did production costs increase?”he asked, sharp confusion in his voice.
Jemma glanced at Mark, who was practically vibrating with rage.
Then she turned back to Saif.
She could lie.Say it was inflation.Blame shipping costs.Give some corporate-speak answer and walk away clean.
But she didn’t.
Because she had Jasper and Jayla waiting at home.
Because people here trusted her.
And because Saif was watching her like shemattered.
“Because Mark signed a production contract with one of his drinking buddies,” she said, her voice even.“The company is under investigation.The owner’s international trips to Singapore are… under legal scrutiny.Details pending.”
She didn’t elaborate.She didn’t have to.The implication was clear.
There was a beat of silence, and when she dared glance up at Saif, something flickered behind his eyes.Amusement?No.That wasn’t strong enough.
Admiration.
Real and startling.
Her heart stuttered.
It was the first time in over a year she’d felt… proud.Not just of surviving—but of standing up and speaking truth when it mattered.
“She’s lying!”Mark snarled, his voice trembling with fury.“That’s not true!”
Saif didn’t even bother responding directly.He simply sighed and gave a tight shake of his head.
“We could have had this conversation in private, Mark,” he said.“But you wanted an audience.Now you’ve got one.”
He turned and gave a subtle nod to one of the bodyguards standing nearby.
“Escort Mr.Sinstack off the premises,” Saif said, cool and final.
“Gladly,” the man replied, moving with swift precision.
“You can’t do this!”Mark barked, his voice cracking.“The board won’t let you!You have no right—”
Mark lunged at the nearest guard, fist flying in a sloppy arc.
But the guard caught his wrist mid-swing and expertly twisted Mark’s arms behind his back.
A collective gasp echoed across the floor.
A moment later, the glass doors swung wide, and Mark was marched out—his tie askew, his face mottled with rage, shouting curses that no one took seriously.
The silence left in his wake was heavy.
