2 HOURS EARLIER - JULIA
Julia stood at the center of her office room, surrounded by the bustle of her co-workers. She directed them with calm and collected ease, her voice never rising above a soothing tone even as she barked out orders.
Her colleagues moved around her like a well-oiled machine, responding to her every word with expert precision.
Suddenly, the door swung open, and Julia's gaze shot towards the entrance. Mark stood there, his face twisted into a frown as he held a thick file in his hand. Julia's expression shifted, her previously serene demeanor now guarded.
"Ah... Ma'am thanks I'll take the lead from here." As if sensing the tension one of the coworkers said and with the other co-workers made a hasty exit, leaving Julia and Mark alone in the room.
The silence was palpable, broken only by the sound of their breathing.
"Mark, what brings you here?" Julia asked, her voice steady.