The office did not settle after the meeting. It only pretended to.
Chairs slid back into place. Screens lit up again. Conversations resumed in low, controlled tones, but the rhythm was off, like something unseen had shifted beneath the surface. Jay returned to his desk without looking at anyone. He sat down, adjusted his sleeve once, and pulled his screen closer.
Across the floor, Elena moved with her usual efficiency, tablet in hand, checking through updates and notes left behind from the meeting. Her expression remained neutral, her pace measured, but her awareness stretched wider than usual. She registered everything without appearing to.
Roman stepped out of his office shortly after, coat resting over his arm. He didn't stop to speak to anyone. His presence shifted the air as he crossed the floor, quiet but commanding, the kind that made people straighten without thinking. He headed toward the elevator, already done with the floor for now.
Asher wasn't there.
