Before I could respond, a woman with sharp white hair turned the corner. Lorraine Hart, Westbridge’s CEO, halted mid-step. Then she smiled broadly. “Colonel Rhys. I didn’t know you’d be joining us in person. What a pleasure.”

I shook her hand. “I was nearby and thought it would be helpful to attend directly.”

“Absolutely,” Lorraine said, turning to the group. “Everyone, in case you haven’t met her, this is Colonel Cassandra Rhys, Pentagon liaison for Project Vanguard. She has final approval authority over all defense integrations on this initiative.”

You could feel the energy shift. The hallway fell into silence. I didn’t look back at my father or brother. I didn’t need to. I could feel their shock without seeing it.

In the conference room, a placard with my name waited beside Lorraine’s. I sat, reviewed my notes, and prepared. My father and Ethan entered last, visibly unsettled.

The meeting began at 0900 on the dot. Lorraine opened, then passed it to me. I stood and walked through our progress benchmarks, outlined technical requirements, and asked direct questions. I scanned the room deliberately, looking every speaker in the eye.