His eyes moved from Warren to me, then to the portfolio with the corporate seal.

“This is Amelia Mercer,” Warren told the staff.

“The board appointed her chief executive effective this morning.

The announcement goes to every employee in thirty minutes.”

No one cheered.

No one moved.

A woman holding a tablet lowered it so abruptly that the corner struck her leg.

Bridgett laughed once, an uncertain little sound.