We took our seats at the long mahogany table.

Jared sat at the right hand of Uncle Arthur, the place reserved for the heir apparent of the media empire.

I sat at the far end of the table, near the rainy window.

The twelve board members sat in silence, their folders closed in front of them.

Arthur cleared his throat and looked down at his gold watch.

“Let us begin with the leadership report,” Arthur said, gesturing to Jared.

Jared stood up, smoothing his tailored jacket.

He looked confident, his smile practiced and bright.

“Thank you, Uncle Arthur, and members of the board,” Jared began.

“This quarter has been about reinforcing our core values as a family brand.”

“Harlan Media stands for trust, integrity, and the strength of the traditional family.”

I watched him lay his manicured hands flat on the polished table.

“To that end, I have some personal news that aligns with our vision,” Jared said, looking around the room.

“My wife, Shelby, and I are preparing to expand our role in the community.”

He looked down the table at me, his eyes cold and warning me to play along.