Chapter 11

Charlotte's POV

I glanced at Amelia and she had a solid frown on her face. I couldn't help but worry, I gave her the “What do you think you're doing look?” She ignored me and then walked to the center of the room, All eyes were on her, the room silent save for the sound of her measured breathing.

She looked around the table, her gaze settling on each person in turn. No one dared to speak, the weight of her presence filling the air with an almost palpable tension. She held everyone in her thrall, her stillness belying the storm that was brewing inside her.

Finally, she opened her mouth, her words sharp and clear.

"Enough," she said. "It is time to make you all understand..” she added

The effect was instantaneous. The room fell silent, the energy shifting from conflict to focus. Everyone sat up straighter, ready to listen and follow her lead.

I felt a sense of relief, of gratitude for her intervention. She had saved the meeting, her presence a calming force in the chaos. She began to speak, laying out a plan of action. It was clear, concise, and effective.

“You should know that Mr. And Mrs. Knowles died leaving their little daughter behind. And I had to drop her off at the orphanage.” She paused for a moment, her eyes sweeping the room. The silence lingered, her words hanging in the air.

Everyone seemed to be holding their breath, waiting for her next move. She let the silence linger, allowing her words to sink in. She knew the importance of giving people time to process, to let the information settle. She had a way of reading the room, of knowing exactly what was needed in the moment. I watched her in awe, amazed by her ability to command a room.

”I couldn't take care of Teresa alone, so I offered to put her in an orphanage home. It was for a short while but an incident that caught the entire orphanage on fire made it more difficult to find her. So yes I am a witness to that fact years back.

It was the same old story, for them we had to come up with better evidence.

Anita whispered to me,

“Dr. Kobbs wouldn't let you be until you answer her.``She said to me. I looked at him, for some reason, he hated me.

Dr. Kobbs raised his voice, “You cannot guarantee that you got the right child?”.Amelia's gaze settled on Dr. Kobbs in particular, her eyes narrowing in displeasure. It was clear that she was not happy with him, her expression stern and unyielding. Dr. Kobbs squirmed under her gaze, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. Amelia's eyes remained fixed on his, her message clear.

“Be Careful." Dr. Kobbs seemed to shrink under her scrutiny, the weight of her disappointment bearing down on him. He cleared their throat, his voice trembling as he spoke.

“We have the right to know.” He removed his gaze from Amelia,

As Dr. Kobbs spoke, a murmur of agreement rose from the group. It seemed that everyone was now convinced by Kobb's argument, swayed by his passion and conviction.

Amelia's expression remained unchanged, her displeasure still evident. But it was clear that she was losing this battle, that the group had sided with Dr. Kobbs. She sighed, her shoulders sagging in defeat. I could feel the tension in the room, the shift in power dynamic. But Amelia remained dignified, her composure unwavering.

“We have other evidence.” Anita and I turned to her, as she was fighting as much as she could to put Director Kobbs in his place.

“I carved a mark of identification on her elbow, years ago.

Everyone's eyes fell on me instantly, I spoke, my voice strong and clear.

"I know you all want the truth .. I'll show you the truth," I said, my eyes never leaving theirs.

Amelia's eyes widened even further, her face pale. But she did not deny it, her silence speaking volumes. I continued, my voice growing in strength.

"We deserve the truth, all of us. And you're going to give it to us." I could feel the tension in the room, the weight of my words hanging heavy in the air.

Director Tristan turned to me,

“Let us see the mark, Ma'am Charlotte,” he says, everyone was interested to see the mark on my elbow.

“Show them the mark on your right arm, Charlotte,” Amelia says to me, I nod and then stand up, my hands shaking as I push up my sleeves. The room went silent, the eyes of everyone in the room on me.

I held out my arms, the marks on my skin clear for all to see. Gasps and murmurs filled the air, the room buzzing with shock and disbelief. Director Kobb's eyes widened, her mouth agape. He seemed to understand what this meant, the truth now laid bare.

He looked at me, his expression a mix of sadness and anger. But I held his gaze, determined to see this through.

“Do you believe it now? I asked him, but his voice trailed as he looked at me and then frowned as he walked out of the boardroom in annoyance.

Everyone was settled, Director Tristan then Spoke up,

“We have a target this month and we'd love to know your thoughts on it.” He began, I thought deeply wondering what it could be, this was the liberation I needed for the company.

“But-” he began,

“Would there be a problem? I asked him, he sighed and then said.

“I heard that Anderson is also attempting the contract. We are so far off “ he says to me.

The news hit me like a punch to the gut, my breath leaving my body in a rush. I had to lean against the wall to steady myself, my head spinning.

Auden, here, applying for the same contract as me. I felt a wave of betrayal, anger, and hurt. I had thought we were done, that our relationship was over.

But clearly, he had other plans. I clenched my fists, trying to push down the rage that was building within me. But it was too late, the anger taking hold.

“We'll get that contract and nothing is stopping us,” I said with confidence.