Tension rose in the air, and the room quieted down. Then whispers circulated. Chairman Liev sneered.
"You can't intimidate us with your threats, Kabir. Everyone knows you hold no ground here… not anymore."
Kabir turned, his face unreadable and his eyes cold as the night.
"So you think," he stepped forward. "I'm giving you a choice." His gaze flickered to the stage. "Make the right one," he added.
Mrs. Swan's lips curled. She had never liked Kabir, and now the hate grew even more.
"This is the legacy of my husband. All his life, he treated you better than his children. He took care of you and gave you the stand you proclaim today. Why are you so selfish, Kabir?"
Gossip circulated the room quickly. Like water, it seeped its way into curious ears.
"I do not deny that, Mother," Kabir stated.
"I am not your mother. I ceased to be your mother the moment you chose to fight my children. How could you do such a thing to us?" she lamented. Tears streamed down her well-made-up face.
