Norman entered the room with a sense of relief. He saw his boss sitting up and looking much better than he had a few days ago. He approached the bed, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

"Boss, it's good to see you looking so well," Norman said, pulling up a chair beside Stefan's bed.

"Thanks, Norman. I'm feeling a lot better," Stefan replied, his voice stronger but still tinged with the exhaustion of recovery. "How's everything going on the outside?"

It was right on time for them to talk about things privately when Amber was talking to one of Stefan's doctors.

Norman's expression turned serious. "There's a lot to...