The Ultimate Return of Carlos

43

'HOURS LATER..... DURING THE EMERGENCY MEETING'

Derek’s eyes moved slowly around the glass-walled conference room, his fingers tapping impatiently against the polished mahogany table as the attendees settled into their seats. The sky outside the building had shifted from morning gray to a tense, stagnant afternoon haze. Carlos sat at the far end of the long table, his posture stiff, hands resting tensely in his lap, eyes focused on the scene before him. His heart pounded, each beat louder than the last, as he anticipated the showdown that was about to unfold.

To his left, Toby offered a reassuring nod, but Carlos knew the weight of the situation far exceeded their friendship. Across from him sat Alisha, her face a stony mask of determination. She adjusted the sleeve of her blazer, her piercing gaze never leaving Carlos. The rest of the attendees— Tommy and Lilly from HR— sat with an air of bureaucratic formality, prepared to listen, deliberate, and pass judgment.

Derek leaned forward