The investors arrived fifteen minutes early.
A black car stopped outside the administration building just before noon. Then another behind it. Elena watched through the office window as three men and one woman stepped out carrying slim folders and tablets. No one wasted movement. No one looked around the property with curiosity anymore. They walked like people already measuring ownership.
Inside the conference room, the long glass table had already been prepared. Reports stacked at each seat. Updated dispatch numbers. Route projections. Expansion cost summaries.
Alexander stood near the wall monitor reviewing active lane reports. He closed one screen when Elena entered.
"They came early," she said.
"They want leverage before discussion starts," he replied.
Elena placed another folder on the table.
"Did legal send revised terms?"
"Yes."
"And?"
Alexander looked at her.
"Worse than first version."
She pulled out a chair but did not sit yet.
"They know we need capital."
