At 9 sharp,
Aveline walked into the conference room. Everyone was already there, employees, heads of departments, even interns were sitting straight, tense, waiting. Aveline came in with the company lawyers.
The shift in the air was instant. Everyone's shoulders went stiff, their hands tightened over notepads, yet their eyes were fixed on her.
Aveline didn't drag it out. "I'm sorry," she began, voice soft but steady. "I know we started this journey with hopes and goals."
She clutched her fingers tight to stay composed and continued, "Everything must come to an end, but ours came a bit early. I take full responsibility for the situation. I will relieve everyone today," she paused, looking at each one of them, "and I will pay the salary for the next three months, so you have time to find your next path."
Gasps filled the room. A few hands flew to their mouths. HR blinked in disbelief. "Are… are we closing the company?" she asked, baffled.
