ETHAN

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

My ears rang, like a bomb had gone off beside my head. I had to yank the phone away for a second just to breathe.

“Elora?” I said again, my voice cracking. “You’re sure it’s her?”

“Yes, sir,” Ava replied on the other end, sounding as confused as I felt. “I just got in. The whole floor’s a mess. People are whispering everywhere. Apparently, the President will be on seat today and…”

“I know the President’s back,” I snapped, already pacing behind my desk. “I introduced the Belmont initiative last quarter. Don’t give me reports like I’m an outsider.”

She went quiet....