June

A murmur spreads through the room before one brave staff member stands. "With respect, sir, the retreat games are always mixed. That way there’s no favoritism—or sabotage."

Several people nod, voices chiming in agreement.

"Yeah, transparency."

"It’s tradition."

"That's how it has always been done,"

Paul looks torn, his eyes darting between the CEO and the crowd. After a long, tense beat, Hermes leans back in his chair, jaw tight. He doesn’t say another word, but the muscle ...