Chapter 119

Chloe’s POV

The meeting request came in quietly, but I knew it was anything but ordinary.

It was one of the most important consortium gatherings in the industry. A private circle of high-level executives and investors who influenced contracts worth billions. Drake had always attended personally. His presence alone carried weight in that room.

This time, he could not.

And I had to take his seat.

I spent that morning reviewing every document related to the consortium. Market projections. Investment trends. Cross-border expansions. Risk assessments. I read until the words felt engraved into my mind.

When I arrived at the venue, the building itself reflected the level of power inside. Polished marble floors. Floor-to-ceiling glass. Quiet security. No unnecessary noise.

The conference hall doors opened for me, and the atmosphere shifted the moment I stepped in.

The room was filled entirely with men.

Older. Experienced. Sharp.