My Fated Alpha's Cruel Game (Elena and Marcus) novel Chapter 324

Chapter 324: Chapter 324 Lines Are Drawn

Marcus’s POV

I refuse to take the offered seat.

"I’ll remain standing," I state firmly.

Several faces show brief irritation before quickly composing themselves, and the chairman nods curtly. "Your choice."

The heavy doors close behind me with a whispered finality.

"This conversation is being documented," he announces.

"I expected nothing less," I respond.

"This represents a procedural assessment," another board member clarifies. "Not formal disciplinary action."

"Not yet," I correct.

The chairman’s jaw tightens slightly. "Your behavior during the recent situation has generated concerns."

"Regarding what specifically," I inquire.

"Command structure," he answers. "Decision-making protocols. Professional boundaries."

I clasp my hands loosely before me, finding stability in my stance rather than accepting their furniture, because remaining upright keeps my posture controlled and my thoughts focused.

"Then proceed with your questions," I say.

The chairman shifts forward marginally. "Did you actively hinder an authorized removal directive."

"I did not," I answer clearly.

Quiet murmurs circulate around the curved table.

"Did you disrupt established security protocols."

"I did not," I state again.

"Did you prioritize personal connections over organizational directives."

"No."

The chairman’s gaze sharpens. "Then clarify your choices."

"I protected an individual from improper isolation under questionable authorization," I explain steadily. "I maintained transparency, established clear jurisdictional boundaries, and imposed procedural discipline in circumstances where coercion was being disguised as safeguarding."

Another board member cuts in. "That represents your personal assessment."

"That represents documented reality," I counter.

"Do you recognize," the chairman presses, "that your public declarations intensified civil disturbance."

"I recognize," I respond, "that transparency expedites responsibility."

"That was not the question posed."

"It remains my response."

The atmosphere in the chamber shifts perceptibly, their controlled veneer cracking as they understand I will not engage in their predetermined verbal trap.

"You have positioned yourself as a symbol," one member observes. "This creates instability."

"Only within frameworks that depend on secrecy for legitimacy," I reply.

The chairman releases a measured breath. "We are attempting to preserve institutional integrity."

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