CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE - WHEN TRUST FALTERS

  They emerged into the parking lot, where a crowd of employees was already gathering. Nia did a quick headcount of her group before turning to survey the scene. Emergency vehicles were arriving, their sirens adding to the cacophony. Nia spotted several department heads trying to organize their teams and moved to assist. "Marketing team, gather by the big oak tree!" she called out, pointing to a spot away from the building. "IT department, I need a headcount. Has anyone seen the design team?" As she moved through the crowd, helping to create order from chaos, Nia caught glimpses of Leon. He was working with the fire department, providing information about the building's layout and the location of the server room. For a brief moment, their eyes met across the parking lot. Nia saw relief flash across Leon's face, quickly replaced by focused determination as he turned back to the fire chief. As the immediate danger passed and the fire was brought under control, employees began to mi