Chapter 3 - Morning on the Executive FloorThe mahogany double doors of Crestmont Global’s 42nd-floor executive suite were usually open by 8:30 AM, welcoming department heads and vice presidents.
Today, they were locked.
Ethan Caldwell stood in the hallway, his tailored Italian wool suit crisp, his silver-rimmed designer glasses reflecting the gleaming glass panels of the atrium. He tapped his corporate ID badge against the electronic scanner for the third time.
The LED ring flashed a sharp, unforgiving crimson. ACCESS DENIED.
“What is the meaning of this?” Ethan muttered, turning to his executive assistant, a nervous young man named Leo who was clutching a stack of morning folders like a shield. “Leo, why is my biometric override failing?”
Leo swallowed hard, his eyes darting down the corridor toward the elevators. “Sir... I don't know. The entire administrative terminal went dark at 7:00 AM. And... and Mr. Vance is already inside.”
“Arthur Vance?” Ethan frowned, a knot of unease tightening in his stomach. Arthur was the senior independent board member, a man who rarely visited the headquarters unless a hostile takeover was underway. “Why is Arthur in my office?”
Before Leo could answer, the heavy double doors clicked open from the inside.
May you like
Arthur Vance stepped out. He wasn't smiling. In his hand, he held a thick manila folder stamped with a bright red CONFIDENTIAL seal. Behind him stood Margaret Voss, looking as immovable as a granite monument.
“Caldwell,” Arthur said, his voice echoing across the silent marble floor. “Turn in your badge and your keys. You’re done.”
