Heartbeat in the Penthouse

Elliot stood at the head of the VossTech boardroom, the Manhattan skyline a gray blur through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The air was thick with tension, the twelve board members seated around the polished table like jurors ready to deliver a verdict. The merger with NexGen AI was on the line today, and so was his leadership. Cassandra's rumors—about his "distractions," about Lila—had spread like wildfire, and he could feel the weight of every skeptical glance.

But all he could think about was Lila's kiss last night, the fire in her eyes when she'd vowed to fight Cassandra, and the latest email threatening her scholarship: Drop out, or I'll make sure the Institute knows you're a fraud. He clenched his jaw, forcing his focus to the presentation.

"The merger is our future," he said, his voice steady despite the storm inside.

"NexGen's tech gives us an edge—faster AI, broader markets. The numbers speak for themselves."

He clicked to a slide showing projected revenue, his eyes scanning the room. Margaret Chen, the board chair, leaned forward, her expression unreadable.

Richard Holt, the gruff investor, scribbled notes, his frown deep. Cassandra sat at the far end, her blonde hair pulled back, her smile a razor's edge.Margaret spoke first. "The numbers are compelling, Elliot, but your leadership's in question. We've heard concerns—late nights, personal entanglements. Are you fully committed?"

Elliot's hands tightened on the podium. Personal entanglements. Cassandra's doing, no doubt.

"My commitment's never wavered," he said, his tone cold.

"VossTech is my life. The merger's my priority, and I've delivered results. Let's focus on the deal, not gossip."

A murmur rippled through the room, some nods, some skeptical glances. Richard leaned forward.

"Gossip or not, perception matters. Shareholders are nervous. We need stability, not headlines about your… personal life."Cassandra's lips twitched, a glint of triumph in her eyes. Elliot's blood boiled, but he kept his voice even.

"My personal life is irrelevant. The merger will stabilize the company and boost shares. You've seen the data."

Before anyone could respond, Cassandra stood, her voice smooth as silk.

"No one doubts your vision, Elliot, but distractions can derail even the best plans. I've heard whispers about a certain employee—a maid, I believe?—causing a stir. It's not just the board. The Culinary Institute's admissions team has raised concerns about her… ethics."

Elliot's heart stopped, his vision narrowing. The Culinary Institute. Cassandra wasn't just targeting Lila's job—she was going after her scholarship.

"That's a lie," he said, his voice a low growl. "And you know it. If you've got something to say, Cassandra, say it plainly."

The room went silent, all eyes on her. She tilted her head, unfazed.

"I'm only relaying what I've heard. A scholarship candidate under scrutiny for misrepresentation? It's concerning, especially with your involvement."Margaret raised a hand, her voice sharp.

"Enough. Cassandra, sit. Elliot, explain."Elliot's mind raced.

Cassandra was playing a dangerous game, leveraging her connections to smear Lila. He couldn't let her win—not when Lila's dream was at stake.

"There's no misrepresentation," he said, his voice steady but fierce.

"The candidate you're referring to is talented, driven, and deserves her shot. If anyone's spreading false claims, it's not her. I'd stake my reputation on it."Margaret's eyes narrowed.

"You're staking more than that. The merger vote's today. Convince us you're focused, or we'll delay—or worse."Elliot nodded, launching into his closing argument, but his thoughts were on Lila.

He'd promised to protect her, and Cassandra's move was a direct attack