#Chapter 60: The Spectacle

It started with a single correction. One sharp, clean cut in the middle of council discussion. “Amelia, I believe you meant the quarterly projection for Crescent territory,” Elsa said brightly, her voice slicing through the room like polished glass. “Not the annual.” The room went still. I looked up from my notes. I hadn’t misspoken. The projection was annual, but it didn’t matter. Everyone was already looking at me like I’d slipped. “It is the annual,” I replied, calmly. “We adjusted scope last quarter.” Elsa smiled wider. “Oh, my mistake. I suppose I’m just a little behind on the latest agenda.” She laughed lightly. “I try to keep up, but I’m mostly here for the public-facing pieces, you know. The human element.” Laughter rippled. Soft, awkward, but it landed. My cheeks flamed. I forced my mouth into a neutral line. Richard cleared his throat. “Let’s stay focused.” But it was too late. The energy in the room had shifted. They were watching me now, weighing me. Judging