From Idler to Tech Tycoon: Earth

A sharp knock broke the low hum of air-conditioning.

"Sir Ernesto," Mira called, cracking the door open just enough to peek in. Her clipboard was already up. "Apologies for the interruption. An update: Mr. Arthur Vance, CEO of Rockstar North, and his board will be arriving in approximately three hours."

Ernesto didn’t look up immediately. He was mid-paragraph in a printed report, pen paused mid-air. When he did glance over the rim of his glasses, it was with the calm of a man used to earthquakes.

"Thank you, Mira," he said simply, nodding once. "Inform the security to be prepared. Treat it like a soft lockdown."

He looked sideways, toward the man leaning against the window frame.

"Richard."

Richard straightened up from his slouched lean, already half-scrolling on his tablet.

"Everything’s on schedule."

"Remind Jack to prepare," Ernesto added, not looking at him.

Richard smirked. "That... may already be a lost cause."

Ernesto finally set the pen down. "Then make sure he at least doesn’t humiliate himself in front of Rockstar."