The meeting recessed for a thirty-minute break. The executives dispersed in small groups, some heading to the lounge across the hall, others stretching their legs by the glass windows overlooking Marina Bay. The hum of conversation softened, leaving only the faint mechanical hum of the air conditioner and the rhythmic click of Mei Ling's heels as she walked toward the coffee bar near the corner of the boardroom.
Timothy remained seated for a while, lost in thought. The presentation still glowed faintly on the screen, the numbers, the charts, the timelines, and though everyone had seemed confident, he knew the weight of what lay ahead. Going public wasn't just a financial move; it was a commitment to transparency, exposure, and vulnerability.
He stood, adjusted his suit jacket, and walked toward Mei Ling. "Ms. Tan," he said quietly, "do you have a moment?"
She turned, holding a porcelain cup of espresso. "Of course. Shall we talk here or somewhere more private?"
