The next morning, a message flashed on the internal screen in the lobby:

“All staff — Mandatory meeting. Grand Hall. 10:00 a.m. sharp.”

No reason.

No agenda.

Just a time.

And yet, the building buzzed.

By 9:50 a.m., the hall was full.

Rows of chairs, polished floor, a massive stage with the Parsons insignia glowing in silver.

People whispered as they found their seats.

Some wore their boldest outfits.

Others adjusted their hair for the tenth time.

A junior designer near the ...