Daniel did not look like a man who took orders from people like Mark.

He stepped forward, his boots making a deliberate, heavy sound.

“Am I interrupting something?” Daniel asked, his voice deep and calm.

Mark’s eyes narrowed.

He looked at Daniel’s worn canvas jacket, then at the blueprint roll.

“This is an administrative hallway, Mr. Morrison,” Mark said, his voice dripping with condescension.

“I am aware,” Daniel said.

He did not move an inch.

He stood right between Mark and me.

I could smell the faint scent of pine and damp wool on his jacket.

It was a clean, outdoor smell that did not belong in this sterile hallway.

“If you have a meeting with the facilities committee, it is on the third floor,” Mark said, waving a hand toward the elevators.

“My meeting was with the internal auditor,” Daniel replied.

His voice was steady, like a heavy stone.

“And we discussed the bids for the new outpatient wing.”

Mark’s posture stiffened.

He tried to look amused, but his jaw remained tight.

“The bids were finalized six months ago,” Mark said. “The contract is signed.”