He didn't need to look like power. Power had already recognized him.
"Before we begin," Walter said as Derek entered, "I believe there's an unresolved matter."
Derek went still. Vanessa's fingers tightened on her tablet.
Walter looked at me — asking, not deciding for me.
I took a breath. "There was a personal matter being finalized here this morning. I won't discuss the details, because they're private. But I want to be clear about one thing before business continues: I have no intention of influencing today's investment out of anger. Nexora should be judged on its technology, its leadership, and its integrity."
The word *integrity* landed carefully — not an accusation, a question.
A woman from Sterling Capital leaned forward. "Forgive me — are you affiliated with Kingsley Holdings?"
"My family is," I said. "I'm not here in an official capacity."
"That may change," Walter said.
The room sharpened around those three words. Derek looked at him fast. So did I.
