Then—
Unexpectedly—
Director stood up.
Walked slowly around the table.
Stopped behind Emily.
Not touching.
But close enough.
"You're intelligent," he said quietly.
"More than I expected."
Emily didn't move.
"Say what you want."
Director leaned slightly closer.
"I want you to leave him."
The room froze.
Alexander stood instantly.
"No."
Director didn't even look at him.
"If you walk away," he continued calmly,
"I stop everything."
Emily's heart pounded.
"You expect me to believe that?"
Director's voice stayed steady.
"I don't need you to believe it."
A pause.
"Only to consider it."
Alexander's control snapped just slightly.
"Enough."
Director finally stepped back.
And smiled.
Because that—
That reaction—
Was exactly what he wanted.