“My model actually underestimates the yield in Silvercrest’s favor,” I conclude. “I used conservative estimates for development potential in the expanded zones. If you achieve even seventy percent of your projected development goals, the actual yield will be closer to fifteen percent, not twelve.”
I say all of this without condescension or smugness. Just facts, clearly explained.
Richard studies his tablet for a few moments. Then, he nods. “You’re right. I was looking at the wrong reference data.”
“Easy mistake,” I say genuinely. “Section four overlaps with this one in some areas.”
The questions that follow aren’t challenging but rather inquisitive. I explain the financial projections, the governance structure, the timeline for phase two implementation. My audience pushes back on some points, suggests modifications to others. I defend what needs defending and adapt what makes sense to adapt.
It’s a good meeting. Productive. And through all of it, I can feel Lucas watching me.
Not the presentation slides. Me.
I don’t look at him because I don’t want to know what expression he’s wearing until I’m done. I hold myself straight, keep my voice level, and present my work with the confidence of someone who knows exactly what she’s doing.
By the time I reach the end of my presentation, even the skeptical advisors are nodding along.
“I think this is a solid framework,” Sarah says. “Obviously there are details to iron out, but the overall structure is wonderful.”
Marcus agrees. “The security council is particularly well-designed. It addresses my biggest concern about operational independence.”
Darius looks pleased. “Excellent work, Sienna. I think we’ve covered everything we needed to today.” He closes his laptop. “Thank you all for your time. We’ll reconvene via teleconference next week to discuss implementation specifics.”
The meeting adjourns. The Silvercrest team gathers their materials, talking among themselves. Sarah catches my eye and gives me a subtle thumbs up. Lucas is already standing, closing his laptop.
I pack up my own files slowly, deliberately. Let everyone else file out first.
“Sienna, please,” Darius says as the last of the Silvercrest team heads for the door. “Would you join Alpha Steele and me for a moment?”
My stomach drops.
Lucas freezes, his hand still on his laptop.
The door closes behind Marcus, leaving just the three of us.
Darius gestures to the chairs. “Please, sit.”
I sit. Lucas takes the chair farthest from me, his expression blank.
“Sienna, that was excellent work,” Darius begins. “The framework is comprehensive, well-reasoned, and you handled the questions brilliantly.”
“Thank you, Alpha.”
He turns to Lucas. “What did you think?”
Lucas is quiet for a few seconds. I can see him choosing his words carefully.
“It was thorough,” he says finally. “Well-researched. The security council structure in particular was…impressive.”
“Impressive enough to work together?” Darius asks, his tone mild but pressing.
Lucas’s jaw tightens. His hands flex once on the armrests.
“Lucas,” Darius says more gently, “are you comfortable working with Sienna on this merger?”
The question hangs in the air. Lucas doesn’t answer immediately, and I watch Darius’s expression shift from mild curiosity to genuine concern.
“Please,” Darius says, looking between us. “I need to know what’s going on here. This merger is important—to both our packs, to our future alliance. If there’s an issue, I need to understand what it is so we can address it.”
