I smoothed down my lab coat and pushed the doors open.

The receptionist looked up, her expression unusually guarded.

“Dr. Morgan,” she said, her voice formal. “They are waiting for you in the boardroom.”

“They?” I asked. “I thought this was a meeting with the CEO.”

“The Chairman of the Board is also present,” she said, refusing to meet my eyes.

I nodded and walked down the short hallway to the boardroom doors.

I reached out and turned the handle.

The heavy oak door swung open, revealing the long mahogany table inside.

Sitting at the far end were the CEO, Arthur Vance, and the Board Chairman, Richard Sterling.

Next to them sat a man I had never seen before, wearing a dark suit and holding a thick manila folder.

“Please, sit down, Elizabeth,” Arthur said, his voice entirely devoid of its usual warmth.

I walked to the table and took a seat opposite them, keeping my back straight.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice,” Richard Sterling said, leaning forward.

“What is this about, Arthur?” I asked, looking directly at the CEO.