Chapter 14 - THE NURSE'S STEEL
Before Giovanni could move or speak, Jessica placed her soft hand gently over his knuckles, staying his arm.
She turned her head slowly, looking across the long table directly into Enzo Fierro’s cold, mocking eyes. She didn't flinch. She didn't look flustered.
"Mr. Fierro," Jessica spoke, her voice calm, clear, and carrying effortless authority across the room. "I spent six years working overnight shifts in pediatric trauma units. I have watched doctors fight for children's lives while frantic parents screamed in despair."
She paused, taking a small, elegant sip from her crystal water glass before continuing.
"In my line of work, I learned very quickly how to identify men who are truly dangerous... and men who simply make loud noises because they are terrified of losing control."
A collective, muffled gasp echoed among the board members.
Enzo’s face flushed a deep, furious red, his fork freezing mid-air.
"My husband chose me," Jessica continued softly, her brown eyes burning with immovable dignity, "because unlike the vultures sitting at this table waiting for him to fail, I don't flinch when things get cold. If you wish to question my place beside Giovanni, I suggest you do it when you have something more compelling than cheap insults."
Giovanni looked down at his wife, a rare, profound look of pride and quiet amazement lighting up his dark eyes.
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Across the table, the eldest board member—Arthur Pendelton—suddenly let out a loud, booming laugh, slapping his hand against the table. "Brilliant! By God, Giovanni, she has more backbone than your entire executive committee combined!"
Enzo glared at Jessica with pure hatred, but he said nothing more for the rest of the evening.
