The assistant rushed in to announce the arrival, but the doors were already flung open before any formal notification could be made, indicating that the Sterling family patriarch was launching a surprise visit.
Damien Sterling saw the doors burst open and was about to inquire when the patriarch strode in, prompting Damien to immediately rise from his chair.
"Damien, how are the company's stocks doing lately?" the patriarch inquired.
Damien lowered his gaze and responded, "There's been a minor issue."
"A minor issue?" the patriarch questioned in a deep, serious tone.
Damien understood the underlying message in his grandfather's words.
The stock market had just opened, and Damien had already seen Sterling Group's shares dipping into the red.
The patriarch had grown impatient in less than half a day.
