Later that week, she arrived for the interview near Rochefort Tower. The winter air cut sharper than she remembered. Wind funneled between the buildings and didn't bother softening itself. The tower's exterior reflected the gray sky, and its glass panels showed only shapes. There were no banners celebrating the anniversary, no decorations marking any change. The building didn't announce itself.
Security operated without calling attention to itself. They scanned her ID and gave her a temporary access card. The guard checked her bag with practiced efficiency and showed no curiosity. No one asked about her planned approach or requested her questions in advance. The lack of interference was its own kind of statement.
In the elevator, she stood next to two mid-level executives in low conversation about a compliance review. They didn't stop when she entered or acknowledge her. The ride up was smooth. She caught her reflection in the mirrored panel and looked away.
