The rain had stopped before dawn. Adrian stood alone in his office, watching the first light spread across the city skyline. The glass reflected a man he barely recognised; his suit was immaculate, and his posture remained straight. Only the exhaustion in his eyes revealed how much had changed.
The office no longer buzzed with assistants arriving early to prepare for meetings. The phones rang less often now. Several desks outside his office sat empty after recent resignations. Success had once drawn people toward him, and failure pushed them away just as quickly.
A soft knock broke the silence, and Marcus entered carrying a leather portfolio.
"You asked for the overnight reports." He said.
Adrian nodded. "Leave them."
Marcus placed the folder on the desk but did not leave.
"There is something else." He said.
Adrian looked up. "What is it?"
Marcus hesitated before speaking. "The board wants another update regarding the investigation."
"They can wait," Adrian muttered.
