408: The Shadows Behind

In the dim light of the meeting room, tension pulsed like a living thing, an undercurrent of hostility ebbing and flowing between Emma and Lillian. Each word spoken seemed to carry more weight, the stakes rising with every sentence exchanged. The room was thick with unspoken truths and buried grievances, the air practically sparking with antagonism. As Lillian settled into her seat with an air of self-satisfied assurance, Wayne leaned close to Emma, his voice low, his tone laced with warning. "Keep a cool head," he murmured. "Remember, Lillian’s looking to provoke us." Emma gave a subtle nod, her gaze never leaving Lillian, who seemed to revel in the discomfort she was creating. "I hear you've been climbing the ranks lately," Emma began, her tone casual but her eyes sharp. "But I wonder, Lillian, what's the price of such a rapid ascent?" Lillian's smirk faltered, replaced by a flicker of annoyance. "I’m just making the most of the opportunities I find," she retorted, leaning back.