[Blackthorn Enterprise—Next Day]
Riven didn't announce his visit.
He stepped into the Operations floor mid-morning, suit immaculate and expression relaxed enough that a few heads lifted in surprise rather than alarm. The low hum of work continued, keyboards clicking, phones ringing softly.
Jacob noticed him a second later and straightened at once. "Sir—good morning."
"Relax," Riven said easily. "I am not here to audit anyone."
A few nervous smiles appeared.
Riven's gaze drifted casually across the floor as he spoke. "I heard your team pulled overtime last night."
Jacob nodded. "Yes, sir. The deadline was moved up unexpectedly."
"Makes sense," Riven replied. "Everyone stayed back?"
"Yes."
Riven walked a few steps farther in, his eyes scanning faces, desks, chairs.
There were too many scents and too many heartbeats but the one he was looking for was missing.
He stopped beside Jacob. "Everyone?"
Jacob blinked, then nodded again. "Yes, sir. The whole team."
