~LAYLA~
I slid into the booth across from Charles, my heart hammering so hard I was sure he could hear it through the wire. Every instinct screamed at me to run, but I forced myself to meet his eyes.
"You look tired, Layla," Charles said, studying my face.
"Let's skip the pleasantries," I said. "You said you wanted to discuss Eclipse's survival. So let's talk."
Charles smiled, leaning back in his seat like a king holding court. "Always so direct. I taught you that, you know. I taught you everything that made you successful."
"You taught me a lot of things," I agreed, keeping my voice neutral. "What are your terms?"
He pulled out a leather folder, sliding it across the table. "Simple, really. You sign over fifty-one percent of Eclipse Beauty to a trust controlled by me. You continue as CEO, as the public face; that's important for brand continuity. But all major decisions go through me. Strategic direction, product development, and financial allocations. I control the company."
