Chapter 31. Fallout Gambit

Harper stepped into the top-floor boardroom at Ledger HQ with her phone muted and confidence brimming. Outside, the early morning light glowed over the skyline; inside, every seat was occupied: Board members, investor reps, analytics leads—everyone summoned by Singh’s escrow commitment and Lilah’s looming shadow.

She stopped at the head of the long glass table. Beside her, Knox leaned in, silent support. She heard their watchful breaths.

Selene Mara opened the session. “Director Quinn, now that escrow is confirmed, we need your execution plan. Also, Ms. Vance has requested permission to present a ‘counter-proposal.’ Ms. Quinn, you have the floor.” Her voice was ceremonial, but underlaid with questioning steel.

Harper met the heightened stares—not just curiosity, but anticipation. “Thank you.” She flipped her slide deck.

Phase Three: Global Rollout displayed world maps with priority zones. “We’ll launch regionally in APAC within eight weeks of escrow receipt,