Back in the sprawling metropolis, the atmosphere in the executive suite of Devereux Corp was suffocating. The air-conditioning hummed at a freezing temperature, but it wasn't nearly as cold as the man sitting behind the mahogany desk.
Alexander sat perfectly still, his eyes unfocused, staring at a stack of acquisition reports. Beside him stood a young man, a highly recommended graduate from an Ivy League school, who was currently stammering through the afternoon schedule.
"And then, sir, you have the—the press follow-up regarding the merger at four..." the new secretary murmured, his voice trembling. He reached out to place a freshly brewed espresso on the desk, but his hand shook, and the saucer clinked against the wood. In a nervous reflex, his fingers brushed against Alexander's sleeve.
Alexander snapped.
