There was silence across all corners of the room. The fire in the hearth popped once, the first sound to break the quiet. I caught Delilah’s reflection in the glass. She was smiling faintly while hiding her irritation. She still thought this meeting might discredit Dr. Lean publicly, and she was savoring every step of it.
“Vincent, perhaps a dinner after his rounds?” she tried, keeping a sweet tone. “We can discuss it further.”
“No.” The refusal was direct and void of any emotion. “I have a board meeting.”
Delilah’s smile faltered a fraction. It was tiny, but enough to be seen. Her mother’s posture stiffened. My guess was that they had expected a more pliable response. Anderson’s nostrils flared, the first honest response in the room.
He rose, smoothing his sleeve. “Very well. Bring th
