[Waylen Singapore Branch – 9:03 AM]
"Your ID badge," the receptionist said, handing it to Adeline. "The meeting's on the 11th floor."
Elias was already striding ahead.
Adeline hurried after him. "You always walk that fast?"
"You always ask that many questions?"
"Only when I'm jetlagged and undercaffeinated."
"You should've prepped last night."
"I did. Just not with four cups of black coffee like you."
They stepped into the elevator.
"Here's the plan," he began. "You'll sit through the operations brief, take notes, and—"
"I know. Shut up, pay attention, don't embarrass you."
He shot her a glare. "Glad we're clear."
[Conference Room – 11th Floor]
"Mr. Elias, welcome back," greeted a Singapore executive, offering a handshake—met by Elias's gloved hand instead.
"This is Miss Moore," Elias said. "She'll be chronicling the process."
Adeline offered a polite nod. "Pleasure to meet you."
One of the senior managers tilted his head. "You're… with Mr. Waylen, correct?"
"No," Adeline replied quickly. "I work for the company. Not Luke."
Elias didn't so much as blink. "Let's begin."
[After the Meeting – Office Balcony]
Adeline scrolled through her tablet. "Why are three departments reporting different numbers?"
"They're stalling," Elias said, sipping from a sterilized bottle. "They don't want to explain the discrepancy."
"Want me to dig into it?"
He looked over. "You'd do that?"
She shrugged. "Unless you want to fly home with flawed data."
He handed her a folder. "Then dig."
Adeline smiled faintly. "Don't look so shocked. I'm good at this."
Elias paused at the door. "Impress me."
She grinned. "Already planning on it."