The boardroom doors stood open and Manuel slowed his pace as he approached. Inside, only one chair was occupied. Chairman Theodore Blackwood sat near the window, a porcelain teacup resting on its saucer. Afternoon light settled over his silver hair, softening the deep lines around his eyes. He looked less like the chairman of a multibillion-naira corporation and more like someone's grandfather enjoying a quiet afternoon.He looked up as Manuel entered, “There you are.” His voice carried the same warmth it always had. “I was beginning to think you'd forgotten an old man.” Manuel managed a faint smile, “I've been occupied.”“So I've heard,” Theodore gestured to the chair opposite him. “Sit.” Manuel sat down and neither of them spoke immediately, Theodore poured another cup of tea and slid it across the polished table, “You look like you haven't been sleeping properly.” Manuel wrapped a hand around the warm cup, “I've had a few things on my mind especially concerning the company.”The ch

The cursor blinked steadily against the black screen, they weren’t alerts. Manuel leaned back in his chair, the glow from the monitor washing across his face. Outside the office windows, dusk had settled over the city. One floor below, the last few employees drifted toward the elevators, their conversations growing fainter with each passing minute. Brandon rested his elbows on the conference table, watching another stream of code roll across his laptop. Then Gavin broke the silence first, “So…” He looked from Brandon to Manuel. “We're waiting for him to make the first move?”Manuel's gaze remained on the monitor, “No.” Brandon and Gavin looked at him. “We’re giving him one.” Brandon frowned, “I thought we agreed to keep the archives quiet.” “We are,” Manuel reached for a file on his desk. He opened it, there were blank pages and he slid it across the table. Brandon looked at the empty file, “A new folder for what?”“A lie.” Silence took over for a brief moment. Brandon folded his arm