NINETY FIVE

SLYVIA'S POV

I continued to make small talk with the people and executives of Lockwood Co., my smile unwavering despite the tension simmering beneath the surface. Every handshake and nod was a reminder of the stakes.

"Don't worry about the lawsuit," I said with as much confidence as I could muster, "The claims are completely false, and we have a strong case. We'll win this."

Some nodded sympathetically, while others offered words of encouragement. Each conversation felt like a small battle, but I needed to maintain my composure. I couldn't afford to show any signs of weakness.

A few executives raised concerns about the potential impact on our partnership. I reassured them, explaining how my team of lawyers was on top of everything and that this was just a bump in the road. "These things happen," I told them, "But we're prepared and fully committed to seeing this through."

As I moved through the room, I could feel eyes on me—some curious, others skeptical. But I had to keep going, keep