Jay did not look up when the elevator doors opened behind him. The quiet shift in the room told him everything he needed to know. Conversations softened just slightly, keyboards slowed, and the air carried that subtle awareness that always followed authority walking in. He didn't need to turn to confirm it. He already knew Roman had arrived.
Across the floor, through the glass walls of his office, Roman stopped just short of his desk. His gaze moved once over the room, slow and deliberate, before settling. Jay. Sitting where he always sat. Working like nothing had shifted. No glance.
Roman remained there for a moment longer than necessary before stepping fully inside and closing the glass door behind him. The sound was soft, but it carried. Jay heard it. He still didn't look up.
Minutes passed.
The rhythm of the office returned.
Then the elevator opened again.
