The clock ticked toward 7 pm, and the atmosphere in Charlotte's living room was tense.
Ryan sat on the edge of the couch, his fingers tapping nervously against his thigh. Lena, perched beside him, glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.
The television screen displayed a countdown for the evening news, with bold letters reading: Breaking News: Grayson Enterprises.
"You okay?" Lena asked softly, her voice cutting through the silence.
Ryan straightened up, forcing a smile. "I'm fine," he replied, but the slight tremor in his voice betrayed him.
Lena raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Ryan, you're sweating."
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's just warm in here, that's all."
But Lena rolled her eyes. "It's not the heat. It's the news, isn't it?"
Before Ryan could respond, the clock struck 7, and the news began. The newscaster appeared on the screen, her tone professional yet commanding.