CHAPTER 14: The Runway Does Not Applaud

The jet landed without drama.
That almost felt unfair. After everything that had broken in the air, the wheels touched the runway with a soft complaint and a rush of reverse thrust, and the world outside remained ordinary.
Rain streaked the windows. Blue lights flashed near the private terminal, not loud enough for panic, too present for denial.
When the aircraft stopped, no one unbuckled immediately.
Ryan stared at the closed cabin door as if he could keep consequence outside by refusing to stand. Brooke returned from the hallway with the diamond turned inward against her palm.
The door opened.
Two attorneys entered first, followed by the company's security director and a woman from the trustee office carrying a black folio.
They did not rush. They did not need to.
The lead attorney looked at Claire, not Ryan.
"Mrs. Ellison, the emergency freeze is confirmed. The board is waiting in the terminal conference room."
Ryan closed his eyes.
The runway offered no applause for fallen men. Only lights, rain, and paperwork.