ESSENCESHis fingers tightened around the man’s neck.“Say his name again,” Manuel said quietly, eyes blazing, “and I’ll make sure time stops for you first.”The man’s face went red and one could see the kind of panic spreading across his face.Laura was there instantly.“Manuel.”Her voice cut through the chaos as she approached him slowly and placed a hand on his wrist.“Let him go.”For a moment, he didn’t move, his eyes were locked on his.Then he exhaled sharply and released his grip. The man collapsed back into his chair, coughing violently.Laura turned to the board, her gaze sweeping across them in a deadly manner.“This meeting is over,” she said. “If any of you attempt to undermine the chairman again, you’ll answer to legal, financial, and personal consequences.”No one laughed this time, they all exchanged glances and some nodded without knowing.Tommy leaned back, his eyes gleaming.Manuel didn’t look at him as he walked out, Laura walking behind him like a shield.Tommy s