The market did not recover all at once. It shifted slowly, almost cautiously, as if it did not trust the change. Seraphina stood in the strategy room early that morning, watching the opening numbers. Pressure and uncertainty had defined the previous days, but today's tone was different.
The stock dipped at opening. Then it held. Then, almost quietly, it began to rise. Lucien entered a few minutes later; he did not speak immediately. His eyes went straight to the screen, tracking the movement.
"It is holding," he said.
Seraphina nodded. "Yes."
Lucien stepped closer. "This is not a spike," he said. "This is steady."
Seraphina turned slightly toward him. "The narrative shifted overnight," she said.
Lucien crossed his arms. "Because of Sterling," he said.
Seraphina shook her head. "Not just Sterling," she said. "Because his position weakened."
Lucien considered that. "The reports are questioning his leverage," he said.
Seraphina nodded. "Yes."
