A massive mahogany table, so polished it reflected the anxiety of whoever sat before it, dominated the room. The walls were lined with framed milestones of the company's success each one a silent testament to the men and women now gathering around the table, their expressions carefully composed masks of professionalism.
Today, however, the usual undercurrent of corporate power plays had been replaced by something more volatile. As the senior directors and board members filed in, they moved with a stiffness that betrayed their inner turmoil. The gossip from the office floor had followed them up the elevator, settling in the corners of the room like smoke. Each person who entered took note of the seating arrangement with barely concealed shock.
