The tension in the room was thick, suffocating, as if the very air had frozen with the silence. Lydia finally broke it. "Emily, some of the board members have a few questions for you," she began, her voice attempting to sound neutral but edged with something sharper. "I think it is best to address them in a meeting so everyone can be on the same page."
She cast a glance around the room, hoping her allies would take the cue, but none of them dared meet her eyes. The silence stretched awkwardly. Sensing their reluctance, Lydia pressed on, trying to mask her unease. "I'll just ask on their behalf, then." She cleared her throat, her voice slightly faltering as she pushed forward.
