The morning light spilled through the tall glass windows of the conference room. The air was still, filled with quiet tension as the executives gathered around the long polished table. Adam sat near the end, his jaw tight, his mind far from the presentation slides glowing on the screen.
Emily sat three seats away, her eyes fixed on her notebook though she had not written a word. She had barely looked at him since last night. The memory of that missing note haunted them both.
Then the door opened, and Mr. Johnson entered. His presence immediately shifted the room’s energy. Everyone straightened, their murmurs fading into silence. He set his briefcase on the table and clasped his hands together.
“Good morning, everyone,” he said smoothly. “W
