Chapter 80

• The soft sound of the air conditioner filled the room, mixing with the ticking of the old clock on the wall of Mr. Sydney's private study. Everything was in its place: the heavy curtains were pulled halfway, the bookshelves were neat, and the big desk shone under the sunlight.
• Mr. Sydney sat behind the desk, his back straight, glasses on his nose, and a thick report open in front of him. He wasn't really reading but more scanning, his eyes moving from line to line while his fingers lightly tapped the desk, deep in thought.
• Then, three gentle knocks came at the door.