Brad Collins arrived ten minutes early, wrapped in a blue wool suit and fake confidence. His tie matched the smug curve of his grin. He greeted everyone with firm handshakes and empty phrases: “Excited to align!” “Ready to innovate!” The only thing tighter than his suit was his ego.
Ethan entered quietly, laptop in hand, and chose a seat at the far end of the table— close enough to observe, but far enough to feign detachment. He opened an email window and began typing nonsense sentences, a perfect disguise for the nervous anticipation he was feeling.