Raindrops pounded on the floor-to-ceiling window. When Mrs. Carter spoke those words, the air inside the room became suffocating.
Evan Palmer stared at Mrs. Carter incredulously, a surge of disbelief and anger in his eyes. He stepped forward abruptly, his voice nearly squeezed out from between clenched teeth.
"You're calling a board meeting? To replace me?!"
Mrs. Carter's expression was calm, her usually gentle face now tinged with cold light. She slowly stood up, meeting Evan Palmer's gaze, her voice steady and measured,
"Evan, you're no longer fit to serve as acting chairman."
Evan Palmer's pupils shrank sharply, his chest heaving violently. He suddenly raised his hand, pointing to Emily Parker standing nearby, his voice sharp,
"Just because of her? How long has Emily been with the Carter Clan? What qualification does she have?!"
He strode over to Emily Parker, glaring at her with eyes full of disdain,
