NOAH
(A WEEK LATER)
Monday morning in the executive boardroom always felt like stepping into a different version of the world.
I arrived early, as I always do when I need to build a wall around my own nerves. Today, that wall needed to be made of reinforced concrete.
The room was a masterpiece of corporate intimidation.
Two of the walls were tall glass, offering a view of the city that seemed designed to remind you exactly how high up you were.
The other walls were dark, matte panels that soaked up the light. In the center of the long, obsidian-colored table sat the physical model of the new medical facility. It was a perfect, tiny world of white plastic and glass, rendered with a precision that made my head ache.
The lighting was dim, controlled, and expensive. It was the kind of atmosphere that didn't just suggest seriousness... It demanded it.
This was Cassian's territory. Even with the room empty, his presence was everywhere.
