Page 82 of Till Orc Do Us Part

“Trust does not,” I reply. “And neither does identity.”

Anna closes the packet with a sharp snap. “Emotion does not pay dividends.”

I unfasten the next sleeve of the portfolio—Jamie’s story.

I slide it forward.

“This is what the town sees,” I say. “What the next generation believes about us.”

Anna’s lip curls. “A child’s fantasy.”

“A child’s truth,” I correct. “And truth shapes loyalty more than profit.”

Malkor leans in, voice oily. “We are not in the business of bedtime stories.”

“No,” I say quietly. “We are in the business of futures. And this—” I tap the story’s cover “—is the foundation of one.”

The room hums with cold tension.

Anna folds her hands. “The board has voted. One more delay, one more deviation from the approved plan—and you will be removed as CEO.”

Malkor smirks. “You cannot lead with a bleeding heart.”

I let the silence stretch.

Then I reach into the final pocket of the portfolio.

I set the compass on the table.

Its cracked face gleams faint beneath the lights. The words“Find your brave”glow like a quiet dare.

I place the final document beside it—a single folded sheet.

“I anticipated this,” I say, voice low.

Anna’s eyes narrow. “Explain.”

I meet her gaze. “Over the past quarter, I have quietly acquired additional equity. Strategic buybacks. Silent partnerships.”

Malkor frowns. “Impossible.”

“Not impossible.” I unfold the document. “Patient.”

I push it forward.

“Effective this morning,” I say softly, “I hold a controlling interest in this firm.”

The air fractures.

Anna’s knuckles whiten on the table’s edge.

Malkor’s mouth parts in disbelief.

The others exchange sharp, restless glances.

I lean back, and smile.

Silence holds the room in a vice grip.