Daniel's shock was palpable but he expertly concealed it and processed Adrian's piercing words. Inwardly, his thoughts were chaotic.
'Who is this guy? Evan didn't brief me at all. Is he the President of the Federation or someone else? He doesn't look like the guy Evan showed me. Should I ask? But won't that be rude?'
As his mind raced, a faint gleam flashed across the lens of his smart glasses, unnoticed by anyone else. A message popped up on his display:
[He isn't the President. He's the Secretary—his right-hand man.]
Daniel breathed a quiet sigh of relief. At least that clears one thing up.
Feigning calm, he asked, "What do you mean by that statement?'"
Adrian's smile returned, sharp and enigmatic. "I meant the President. Originally, he was supposed to take this meeting, but… something urgent came up."
He dodged Daniel's question, twisting the conversation elsewhere.
"Urgent?" Daniel asked cautiously, trying to pry further.