I arrive at Moonfang Construction, ready to drown myself in spreadsheets and project reports. The office bustles with Monday morning energy, employees clutching coffee cups and discussing weekend plans in hushed tones.

The familiar hum of productivity usually helps me focus, but today feels different. There's a tension in the air I can't quite place.

I settle at my desk, pulling up Vincent's calendar for the week. Board meetings, site visits, conference calls—his schedule is packed as usual. ...