“The slide deck was uploaded to the shared folder at six this morning,” Ethan said.

“I am calling to tell you I will not be leading the presentation today.”

A sudden pause heavy with silence fell across the speaker line.

“What did you say?” Alan asked, his voice dropping into a hard, incredulous tone.

“My daughter is sick, Alan.

I am staying home, and the team will handle the slides without me.”

“Ethan, this is our primary division pitch of the entire quarter,” Alan Vance said.

“We have spent three months preparing these product numbers.