“There is a small matter of internal alignment that must be addressed,” she said. “In order to minimize operational confusion, certain responsibilities will be refined.”
Her eyes moved slowly across the table and came to rest, not on Isabella, but on Ethan.
“Effective immediately, Ethan Cole will serve as Lydia Grant’s exclusive security liaison.”
Exclusive.
The word slid through Isabella’s chest like cold water.
Several directors nodded, murmuring approval. Someone glanced toward Isabella as though remembering she was present.
“You will, of course, be assigned additional personnel,” Clara added, her tone gracious. “Your safety remains a priority.”
Isabella rose.
The scrape of her chair against the marble floor was not loud, but it was enough.
Ethan finally looked at her.
For a fraction of a second, the distance he had cultivated collapsed.
She held his gaze.
She waited.
She did not plead.
She did not blink.
If he were going to choose her, this was the moment.
“Is there a problem?” Clara asked.
Isabella broke eye contact with Ethan and turned to her. “No,” she said evenly. “I simply wanted to congratulate you on your clarity.”
Clara smiled faintly. “Ethan?”
“Yes,” he replied.