The morning dissolved into a blur of quarterly reports and acquisition proposals.
Cyrus signed documents without reading them, his pen moving in sharp, mechanical strokes across contract after contract.
The familiar rhythm of corporate efficiency should have been soothing, but it felt hollow.
"The Shanghai acquisition requires your final approval," Isabelle said, placing another folder on his desk.
He signed it.
"Security wants to discuss the new containment protocols."
Another signature.
"The board meeting has been moved to Thursday."
Cyrus barely looked up from the papers.
Isabelle stood perfectly still, watching him with those calculating ice-blue eyes.
"Sir," Isabelle's voice carried the slightest edge of concern. "Perhaps you should take lunch?"
Cyrus didn't look up from the acquisition reports.
"I'm fine."
The lie tasted bitter.
Isabelle placed another folder on his desk, but this time she remained standing, her posture even more rigid than usual.
