The Trident Marine boardroom held its usual imposing presence: floor-to-ceiling glass walls with a panoramic view of the city, a long dark-wood table, leather chairs lined up with perfect precision. The air-conditioning hummed out a steady, icy draft, exactly the way Liam liked it.

To his right, Alex typed on his laptop; across from him, one of the directors enthusiastically explained a quarterly forecast chart. The others watched closely, taking notes, absorbed in their corporate routine.

Ever