Daniel barely had time to process the unsettling conversation with Lola before his phone rang again, its sharp vibration rattling the table. He glanced at the screen, recognizing the number from his company's boardroom. A chill ran down his spine. Calls from this particular line usually meant trouble, and he wasn't in the mood for more problems.
With a resigned sigh, he answered. "Daniel Ross speaking."
"Mr. Ross," the voice on the other end said briskly, without preamble. "We've just received the latest quarterly report, and the numbers are... concerning. Your division is projected to dip below the profit margin within the next month. This is unprecedented."
Daniel's breath caught in his throat. His company, a symbol of his success and control, had always been a fortress of stability. A profit loss? It was unfathomable.
"That's impossible," he said, his voice tight. "Send me the details. I'll go over them personally."
