The elevator doors slid open with a soft ding. Grayson stepped out, walking down the hall without a word. Rick followed close behind, holding his tablet.

“The contract is ready,” Rick said, glancing at Grayson. “Mr. Greene is waiting with the final papers.”

Grayson kept walking, face hard and cold. Workers lowered their heads as he passed, voices fading to silence.

Rick opened the conference room door. Grayson walked in without looking around.

Mr. Greene stood up, smiling too wide. “Good morning, Mr. Blackwood.”

Grayson gave a small nod and sat at the head of the table. He leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.

“Let’s...