### Chapter 118: Unexpected Obstacles
The morning began with a sense of cautious optimism. The team had found its rhythm, and progress on the new branch was moving at a steady pace. For the first time in days, I felt a sliver of hope that we might just meet the looming deadline. But in the back of my mind, I knew better than to let my guard down. The project was too important, and I had learned the hard way that things could go wrong when you least expected it.
As I arrived at the site, the sun barely cresting the horizon, I was greeted by the familiar sounds of construction—hammers striking metal, the low hum of machinery, and the murmur of workers coordinating their efforts. I took a deep breath, letting the noise ground me. This was where I needed to be, hands-on and in control.
