Chapter 6: Turning Tides

Emma paced the office, her thoughts a turbulent mix of anxiety and determination. The weight of the past few days pressed heavily on her shoulders, threatening to crush her resolve. Alexander sat at his desk, his face a mask of concentration as he reviewed documents. The press conference had stirred the hornet’s nest, and their attempts to stabilize the company felt like a losing battle against an unseen enemy. Emma’s gaze drifted to Alexander. She wondered what was going on behind his cool exterior. Was he as overwhelmed as she was? Or was he hiding something? The questions gnawed at her, but she pushed them aside. Now was not the time to doubt him—or herself. Just as she forced her attention back to the tasks at hand, her phone buzzed with a notification. The sudden noise made her jump, and she quickly grabbed the device, hoping for a distraction from her spiraling thoughts. The message on the screen, however, only deepened her unease. It was from Rachel, their trusted investigato