Later that week, she arrived for the interview near Rochefort Tower. The winter air cut sharper than she remembered. Wind funneled between the buildings and didn't bother softening itself. The tower's exterior reflected the gray sky, and its glass panels showed only shapes. There were no banners celebrating the anniversary or decorations indicating a change. The building didn't announce itself.
Security operated smoothly without calling attention to itself. They scanned her ID and gave her a temporary access card. The guard checked her bag with quiet efficiency and showed no curiosity. No one asked about her planned approach or asked for her questions in advance. The lack of interference felt deliberate.
In the elevator, she stood next to two mid-level executives who were quietly discussing a compliance review. They did not stop their conversation when she entered or acknowledge her. The ride up was smooth. She briefly looked at her reflection in the mirrored panel.
