A week had passed. The speculations only intensified.
Rochefort Group released a statement three days ago. The media responded by questioning Franz's leadership publicly—not his legitimacy, but his inexperience. The distinction was worse. Legitimacy could be argued. Inexperience was visible in every headline.
Another meeting was scheduled that day. Arianne had already seen the report: a slight dip in market share. Small. But the direction mattered. The more they kept their silence, the more the rumors would persist. Partner companies and major investors had been pressing despite assurances.
The conference room lights had been dimmed slightly, just enough to see everyone's faces. Charts glowed on the screen. The long table divided the room evenly. The head seat remained empty.
