THE FIRST BLOW
Chapter 12: The First Blow
The morning felt off, almost like it was planned.
Maya noticed it as soon as she walked into Venn Holdings.
Mornings usually had a rhythm. Phones rang, keyboards clicked, and people exchanged quick nods and half-smiles. But today was different.
Conversations faded the moment she passed by. A few people glanced at her, then quickly looked away. Others stared too long before pretending to be busy.
She walked to her desk slowly and set her bag down as she always did, trying to act normal, even though her chest felt tight.
Something was wrong.
“Morning,” Mark said from beside her, but his voice lacked its usual relaxed tone.
Maya glanced at him. “You feel it too?”
Mark leaned in a little closer and lowered his voice. “Yeah. This isn’t normal
