Confrontation in the Boardroom

I sank into the plush leather chair across from Damien's desk, my mind still reeling from the reception downstairs. The office matched his status - floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city, while modern art pieces adorned the walls. A massive mahogany desk dominated the space, its surface pristine except for a sleek laptop and a single fountain pen.

My fingers traced the armrest, the leather cool against my skin. The crowd at the entrance flashed through my mind - all those people, standing at attention, their faces a mix of reverence and anticipation. The way they'd parted like the Red Sea when Damien approached. Even the board members, powerful figures in their own right, had shown such deference.

"Would you like some water?" Damien's voice broke through my thoughts.