Thirty seconds before the video connection was established, Lemont stood in front of the camera calibration point in the communication room, wiping his cheeks one last time with a damp towel.
He even ran his fingers through his sweat-soaked hair—despite knowing it would quickly plaster itself back onto his forehead.
This was an unconscious habit.
At any time, whether facing superiors or cameras, appearance must be impeccable.
It was not only a show of respect but also a stance.
No matter how dire the situation, maintain control over the circumstances.
But as he looked at the three split screens appearing on the monitor, Lemont knew his appearance no longer mattered.
National Security Advisor Walter Simmons sat in the central position, with the oak long table of the White House Situation Room extending behind him, and a giant electronic map on the wall displaying real-time intelligence on global hotspots.
In the left split screen, Hillary sat in an elegantly decorated study.
