Adriel cleared his throat, scanning the room as he mentally pieced together a response. If he could balance his father's concerns with Jefferson's ambitious plans, maybe he could avoid stepping on anyone's toes.
"I think both perspectives have merit," he began, trying to keep his tone measured. "Sicily represents a new frontier for Byers Holdings—a chance to grow in a sector with real promise. But we would need a cautious approach to prevent spreading ourselves too thin."
He glanced toward his father, then uncle, hoping for a hint of approval, but received no feedback. Around the table, the board members exchanged glances, some leaning forward slightly as if expecting more.
A faint sigh of disappointment seemed to drift through the room, but Hale's voice cut in, louder than all of it. "Do you have no opinion? Speak your mind, child, and talk with conviction. Don't you want to be taken seriously?"
