After the meeting ended, only Ashley and Mr. Adam were left in the room.

The poker face she'd been gripping so hard slowly slipped away.

Ashley scrubbed a hand roughly over her face and sank into her chair, shoulders slumped. She looked nothing like the calm, unshakable leader she'd been minutes ago. Her eyes went blank, her face drawn with exhaustion.

Mr. Adam shifted to the chair next to hers. The old man pulled out a piece of chocolate candy and set it in front of her.

"Are you alright, ...