~NIKLAUS~
The hum of the AC and the faint rustle of paper are the only sounds in the office. I sit behind the wide, obsidian desk, sleeves rolled up, scanning the quarterly budget breakdowns line by line. It's dull, grating work—but necessary. Especially now that the expansion is in motion.
Carlos stands beside me, arms folded, eyes on the screen. "I've already contacted Ferrer Holdings about the investment package. Waiting on a response."
I nod, flipping the page. "Good. Give them until Friday. If they stall, we'll move on to D&G Group."
He grunts in acknowledgment. Silence settles again, until Carlos' phone buzzes.
He picks up. "Yes?… mm-hmm… wait." He glances at me. "Sir Niklaus, there's someone here to see you."
I don't even look up. "Who?"
He hesitates. "Miss Hazel Martins."
That makes me pause. My eyes flick up slowly. "Why the hell is she here?"
