Ella
"I went through all the records," I say, my voice breaking the heavy silence with a calm, unshakable tone. "Detailing the operating costs, the cost of materials, and the manufacturing expenses for our product, including the raw material costs."
A few quiet murmurs drift through the sea of faces before me, but most people remain still, their eyes fixed on me with a mix of curiosity and fear. I catch a few surprised glances exchanged among the workers in the front row. It doesn't matter. I'm not about to slow down.
"The wholesale price of steel," I continue, "is currently $800 per kilo. But according to the purchasing officer's manuscript..." I lift the manuscript slightly, letting everyone see, "he's recorded it at $1,500 per kilo."
The response is immediate. The room erupts into whispers—nervous, agitated, incredulous. People shift uncomfortably in their seats, stealing glances at one another, trying to gauge just how deep this rabbit hole goes.