Signed in Blood: The Price of Secrets

Pt~20 2/2 Uprise

The boardroom was brighter than usual. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the polished oak table. A stillness settled before the storm—coffee cups half-sipped, chairs slightly turned, papers waiting.

Lilith entered quietly, her steps even, her expression unreadable. Her hair was tied back, her blazer crisp, her presence... calm. She took her seat at the head of the table, glanced briefly at the faces gathered around—Leo, Ronan, Maria, Noah, two senior advisors—and began without ceremony.

She was comparatively less streesed,since this meeting was for her own company The Effects,rather than under The Cross or Illumination Corp.

LILITH
"I know it's been a long couple of days. I want to thank you all—for your patience, your silence, and your loyalty."

She pauses, fingers lightly resting on the folder in front of her. Her voice is clear, measured.

"There's a lot being said right now. A lot being written, aired, interpreted. The raid was unexpected... and the way it unfolded was designed to rattle us. But here we are. Still standing.With a part of public support."

Noah nods subtly, eyes locked on her.

"Two mornings ago , a public statement of support was made—an offer of legal and financial backing, in light of the damage. It's kind. And calculated."

She lets that hang—not a dig, just truth wrapped in diplomacy.

"Along with that, there's been talk of a structural proposal. A suggestion for merging oversight. Shared leadership. A safer future, some might call it."

Her gaze moves across the table, but her voice remains soft.

"I want to be clear—I'm not against partnerships. I believe in strong alliances and was beyond elated in becoming an alliance with Illumination, and I know that we're still small. But I also believe in what we've built here. This company wasn't born to be a branch. It was born to lead something different."

Maria shifts slightly in her chair, reassured.

"I've reviewed the documents. We'll respond respectfully. We'll express our gratitude for the support. But we will not compromise on autonomy.The orders have been greatly softened,showing the desperation behind valuing the alliance's time contract"

Leo exhales, quietly tapping his pen.He knew he was going to get an earful hearing from his higher ups.

"We're not at war. But we are being tested. So we respond by reinforcing, not retreating. I'd like to establish a small internal unit—a crisis review board—just to track all legal and operational risks from this incident. Maria, you'll head it."

Maria nods firmly.

She finally leans back in her chair, folding her hands.

"We move forward quietly, clearly. And when we speak, we speak with one voice. This company was never just mine. But it will never be anyone else's to control."

A quiet stillness follows—one of clarity, not fear. The board seems to breathe again, as if Lilith's steadiness has spread across the room like an anchor.She realized,this is what she always was,a leader.

If there are any concerns... now's the time.

No one speaks.

She gives a small nod. The meeting isn't over, but the direction is clear.The future is difficult for them,but its very much visible