Chapter 121

Chloe’s POV

One month later, the panic that had once gripped the company started to loosen. Clients who had withdrawn began requesting follow-up calls. Investors who had threatened to pull out entirely asked for updated projections instead of issuing ultimatums. The internal atmosphere grew steadier. Employees walked with less tension in their shoulders.

We sealed two major contracts within the same week. Both had been at risk of termination before I stepped in. When the paperwork was finalized and the signatures dried, I felt something I hadn’t allowed myself in a long time.

Relief.

The breakthrough came with the Russian consortium.

They had been one of Drake’s strongest international partners, but after the scandal, they had gone silent. Their silence had worried the board more than any public withdrawal would have.

When their representatives arrived, the boardroom felt heavy again. Tall men in dark suits, sharp eyes, minimal smiles. Thei