The lunch in Miles's office had ended on a warm note, with smiles and empty plates bearing testimony to Elena's lovingly prepared meal. The scent of her cooking still lingered faintly in the air, a comforting contrast to the usual sharpness of boardroom sterility. With their appetites satisfied and spirits lifted, Miles rose from his seat, brushing the crumbs from his sleeves.
"Come on," he said, gesturing with a small nod. "Let me give you a tour."
Hope and Asher gasped in delight, bouncing in place like coiled springs. Elena followed them with a soft chuckle, her eyes trailing over her son's confident stride. They moved through the polished hallways of Sterling Media Group, a modern cathedral of glass and steel, where professionalism walked hand-in-hand with precision.
Employees paused as the small group passed. Heads turned, and more than a few warm smiles appeared. Conversations lowered into whispers.