The boardroom lights were already on when Damien arrived.
It was just after five.
Outside, snow continued to fall against the windows in slow, steady sheets, softening the skyline until the city beyond became little more than light and shadow. Inside, the room was warm, polished, and unusually quiet.
That was the first thing he noticed.
Not tension.
Expectation.
Katharine was already there.
So was Marcus Webb.
Three other board members sat around the long table, folders open in front of them. Reed stood near the coffee station speaking quietly with the corporate secretary, stopping the moment Damien entered.
No one was making small talk.
The door closed behind him.
Katharine looked up.
"Thank you for coming so quickly."
"I came as soon as I received the call."
She nodded towa
