The boardroom gradually emptied as most of the executives left the building. The sound of footsteps on the marble floor echoed down the long, bright corridor. Vania busied herself organizing documents, still trying to calm her racing heart after the tense meeting.

Near the door, Devandra waited, his posture rigid, eyes fixed sharply on Arga, who was closing his laptop. Once everyone else had gone, he stepped forward.

“Arga,” his voice low but firm, “can we talk for a moment?”

Arga turned, his eyes calm, a faint smile on his face. “Of course, Dev.”

They walked to an empty corner of the hallway. The hanging lights cast long shadows across...