Chapter 23 New Threat

• Phoenix sat in the polished boardroom of U&K, the city’s skyline sprawling behind her. Across the table sat Fern, Berla, and a group of company executives. Fern’s cold stare was unmistakable, his posture rigid as if he were bracing for an attack. Berla sat beside him, her expression guarded yet with an occasional smirk of confidence, as if she believed she held some unspoken advantage.
• In the quiet moments before the meeting started, Phoenix reviewed her notes, mentally preparing for any tactic Fern or Berla might throw her way. But as she looked up, a figure caught her eye—a tall, unfamiliar man in a sleek suit entering the room with an air of authority. This was James Cross, the new investor who had recently taken an interest in U&K Fashion, a man known for his cutthroat tactics and significant influence in the industry.
• James offered a polite smile to everyone, but when his eyes landed on Phoenix, they lingered, assessing. Phoenix held his gaze, determined not to let her nerves show. Could he be on their side, or was he truly a neutral party here for business? she wondered.