The R&D room in the corner of the third floor felt different. Usually quiet and filled with small discussions or silent prototypes. But this time, every chair was occupied. There were no big presentation screens and no official agenda. Just a long table, instant coffee in plastic thermoses, and tense—or reluctant—faces.
Bobby sits at the end of the table, arms crossed over his chest, expression blank. Across from him, Nadine stares at the table with a furrowed brow, unwilling to look at anyone. Martha sits next to Victoria, her eyes darting between the two. Even some senior engineers, who usually refuse to attend morning meetings, sit quietly, clutching their coffee cups.
Victoria stands in front of the whiteboard without a pointer or slides.
"Thanks for coming," she said quietly but lo
