The elevator chimed softly as it reached the top floor, its polished brass doors gliding open to reveal the long, glossy corridor leading to the executive meeting room.
The air smelled faintly of leather and coffee, the kind of mixture that always lingered in old, powerful companies where legacies were built and broken over decisions made around mahogany tables.
Athena stepped out first, her heels clicking lightly against the floor. Beside her, Herbert followed, holding a small folder tucked under his arm.
They had been mostly quiet since they left the car. He had tried to make small talk about business earlier, but she hadn't been in the mood, with every approaching step toward the boardroom.
When they neared the corner where the boardroom stood, the muffled sound of voices floated through the heavy double doors.
Athena slowed her steps.
