Thomas leaned back in his chair, letting the stiffness of the day settle into the leather. The office was quiet, sunlight spilling over the edge of the blinds, catching dust motes that floated lazily in the air. He had just finished reviewing the final drafts for next week’s presentation when there was a soft knock at the door.
“Come in,” he said without looking up.
The door opened, and she stepped inside — calm, efficient, precise. His secretary. Always the first to arrive, the last to leave, and somehow, always perfectly timed. She carried a folder with documents he hadn’t asked for yet, but clearly needed.
“Mr. Thomas,” she said, voice even, polished. “I organized the schedules for next week’s board meetings. I also flagged a few items that might require your attention before the aft
