Anthony was in the middle of a crucial meeting with potential investors—three international partners who had flown in that morning, eyes sharp and pens ready to sign off a deal that had taken weeks to prepare. Seated at the head of the conference table, Anthony was calm and composed, flipping through the proposal with confidence, responding to every inquiry with poise.
Just then, his assistant, Nina, burst into the room, breathless and visibly pale.
Everyone turned to her in surprise.
"Sir… I'm sorry to interrupt but—"
Anthony looked up, a slight crease forming between his brows. "What is it, Nina?"
She hesitated, then said in a low, urgent voice, "It's Rita. She's been rushed to the hospital."
Time froze.
The pen in Anthony's hand slipped and clattered to the table.
