"You can't do this, you insolent girl!" Mia shrieked, her regal composure shattering. She lunged toward Ruby, her face twisted in a mask of fury. "How dare you blackmail the board? Who do you think you are?"
She didn't get within three feet. Two of the armed guards stepped forward, their rifles crossing to form a steel barrier. Mia stumbled back, gasping as she realized she was no longer a queen, but a prisoner in her own boardroom.
Ruby didn't even blink. She just adjusted her red jacket, her eyes cold as winter.
"Ruby, listen to me," Seron said, his voice dropping into that smooth, manipulative tone he always used when he wanted something. He stood up slowly, reaching out as if to gently take her hand. "I know you're grieving. You aren't yourself. Stop this nonsense right now and come with me. Let's talk in my office, just the two of us."
