The morning began with silence, not the peaceful kind. It was the silence that settled over an office when everyone was waiting for something they could no longer prevent. Employees entered Adrian's headquarters quietly. Conversations stopped whenever someone walked past. Computer screens displayed financial news instead of ordinary work schedules.
Every person in the building knew today mattered, but no one knew exactly how it would end. Adrian arrived just after seven; he acknowledged the greetings from his staff with a brief nod before walking toward the executive floor.
Marcus followed a few steps behind him, and neither man spoke until they reached the private conference room.
Marcus closed the door. "The market opens in thirty minutes."
Adrian placed his briefcase on the table. "I know."
"The communications team has prepared two statements," Marcus said.
"One for success," Adrian replied.
Marcus nodded. "And one if the response is unfavourable."
