The city was already awake when Vivian arrived at Margaret Ashford's office the following morning.
She paused outside the conference room.
The whiteboard was still covered with photographs, payment records and handwritten notes.
Project Orion sat at the center.
Everything else seemed to orbit around it.
She took a deep breath before walking in.
Damien looked up first.
"Morning."
His voice was calm as always.
Roman followed a few seconds later.
"You're late."
Vivian frowned.
"I was three minutes late."
Roman glanced at his watch.
"Three minutes is still late."
She rolled her eyes.
"And good morning to you too."
A faint smile crossed Damien's face.
Cross noticed the exchange but chose not to comment.
Instead, he placed a new file on the table.
"I've spent all night going
