The quiet hum of the high-tier terminal cooling fans was the only sound inside the Golden Investments executive suite at precisely seven o'clock on Monday morning. Outside, the first corporate commuters of Aurelia were beginning to filter into the financial district, their umbrellas tilted against a cold, persistent drizzle.
Jake sat behind his desk, his jacket draped over the back of his chair, leaving him in a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms. On the primary display console, a single command terminal hung open, displaying a blinking amber prompt that read: AWAITING CONDUIT HANDSHAKE.
Alice stepped up to the side of the desk, placing a thick, leather-bound folder onto the blotter alongside a fresh cup of black coffee. "The secure courier from the Vale family arrived at precisely 06:45, Mr. Rivers. Inside are the primary routing codes and the authorization clearance from Arthur Vale. It's the direct connection protocol for Vanguard Institutional."
