"Families are complicated," I said. "But we're both professionals. We're focused on what's best for XUM."
"Of course." She paused, flipping through her notes. "Now, there's been some… speculation about your time away from the family business. You were largely absent from the public eye for several years. Can you speak to that?"
The room went quiet.
I felt the shift. The tension.
This was the question they all wanted to ask but were too afraid to.
I leaned back slightly, expression unreadable.
"I took time to pursue other interests," I said simply. "When the opportunity arose to return and contribute to the family business, I did."
"Other interests," she repeated carefully. "Can you elaborate?"
"No."
Her smile tightened. "There have been rumors... unconfirmed, of course... that you were incarcerated during that time. Would you like to address that?"
I met her gaze. Held it.
"Rumors are rumors," I said, voice cold. "I'm here now. That's what matters."
