The sterile scent of the office, usually a neutral backdrop, seemed sharper this morning. The air thrummed with a different kind of energy, a tension Eloisa hadn't quite put her finger on since Adam Davies's return. He had arrived just as the clock struck eight, his usual punctual entrance, but something was off. His movements seemed a fraction slower, his usual crisp composure subtly dulled at the edges.
He walked past her desk, his shadow falling over her keyboard. "Updates on the Shanghai follow-ups," he commanded, his voice raspy, a little lower than usual, almost a growl.
"Yes, Sir," Eloisa replied, immediately sensing the subtle shift. "The legal team confirmed receipt of the drafts. No major issues flagged yet, but they're still reviewing the clauses on environmental compliance. I
