Carmen frowns slightly. "I asked if you had any concerns about the Q4 expansion timeline Emma proposed."
Emma's eyes finally meet mine, and for a split second, I see the same awareness I'm feeling reflectedback at me.
Then she blinks, and it's gone.
"No concerns," I say, forcing my attention to the presentation on the screen. "The timeline is aggressive but achievable. I'd like to see a more detailed risk analysis before we commit resources, but the foundational strategy is sound."
Emma nods, making a note. "I can have that to you today.”
"Monday is fine. No need to rush."
"I don't mind. I want to make sure we're moving forward with the best possible information."
Of course she does.
Because, like me, Emma Sinclair doesn't do anything halfway.
The meeting continues for another thirty minutes, and I manage to contribute in a way that seems reasonably engaged and not at all like I'm distracted by the woman three seats away.
When the meeting ends, the team filters out—Carmen chatting with two analysts, the others clustering near the digital whiteboard.
Emma lingers, rearranging her files like she’s waiting for me to move first.
I should leave.
I don’t.
I close the door to the conference room, a soft click echoing in the silence.
“Mr. Titan,” she says carefully, like the name might burn.
“Your presentation was solid,” I say. “Carmen’s impressed.”
Her lips curve. “That’s good to hear. You’ve been... hard to read.”
“You’ve been busy.”
“You’ve been avoiding meetings all week.”
I exhale. “Scheduling conflicts.”
“Three of them?” she presses,a ghost of a smile playing at her mouth. “I didn’t realize the CEO’s schedule included so much avoidance.”
“Ms. Sinclair—”
She folds her arms, chin tilting up. “If this is about Miami—”
“It’s not.”
“Because I’m being professional, and you—”
“I am being professional.” I say, the words come out low, commanding, enough to still her mid-sentence.
Emma blinks, startled. But her chin lifts a fraction, defiance sparking behind those hazel eyes. “You have a funny way of showing it.”
“Careful,” I grit back. “That sounds a lot like you’re questioning your boss.”
Her mouth parts. Then closes.
