The mid-morning sun streamed through the large windows of Eleanor's private lounge in the palace, glinting off the sleek surfaces of laptops and smartphones scattered among the more traditional decor. Eleanor sat at an oak desk, quickly typing out a text message to her friend Claire on her smartphone:
"Claire, need your insight. Tea in my private lounge this afternoon? Craig and Darielle will be here too. It's about Vincent and tomorrow's lunch. - El"
Within moments, her phone buzzed with Claire's affirmative reply.
A few hours later, the lounge was alive with the quiet chatter of friends reunited. Eleanor sat in a plush armchair, her tablet on her lap, while Claire occupied a nearby modernist chaise lounge, her laptop open. Craig and Darielle shared a sleek sofa, both scrolling through their phones for the latest news and social media updates.
As a staff member served tea in elegant cups alongside a tray of pastries, Eleanor cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention.