The atmosphere in the CEO’s office was suffocating, tense like the pause before a thunderclap. Even the light pouring in through the tall windows seemed to hold its breath, casting long, slanted beams across the polished floor as though afraid to touch the cold air within.

Linsy stepped inside, her heels clicking softly on the marble tiles, each step steady yet strained like someone pretending not to limp after a fall. The faint bruise on her temple was carefully hidden under ...