The executive floor of Apex Holdings was unusually quiet the following morning.
The chaos of the previous day's media attack had finally subsided. Television networks that had once questioned the company's integrity were now praising its swift and transparent response. Financial analysts who had predicted a sharp decline in the company's stock were revising their reports, acknowledging that Apex Holdings had handled the crisis with remarkable professionalism.
Outside Peter Harrison's office, employees moved with renewed confidence. Conversations were lighter, footsteps less hurried, and smiles had begun to replace the anxious expressions that had dominated the building for weeks.
Yet inside Peter's office, another battle was quietly unfolding.
Peter stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. One hand rested in his trouser pocket while the other held a steaming cup of black coffee that had long gone cold.
His eyes weren't on the skyline.
