The steady tap of my footwear on the marble floors resonated throughout the vast corridors of Calloway Holdings. It was early—so early that not even the cleaning crew had shown up yet—but this was my refuge. The city's skyline sparkled through the tall windows, a vivid reminder of the empire I had constructed, piece by relentless piece.
My aide, Ethan, was already positioned outside my office. He looked up from his tablet, his gaze shifting to the coffee I was holding. “Morning, sir.”
“Morning,” I mumbled, entering my office without slowing down.
The well-known aroma of leather and polished wood welcomed me, yet today it seemed overwhelming. I placed the coffee on the desk and collapsed into my chair, squeezing the bridge of my nose.
"What's on the agenda for today?" I inquired, my tone rough.