Landon shot him a patronizing look. "This is a provisional restructuring passed by The Board’s Project Steering Committee. Of course Lucian will be informed."
He turned back to the room. "Both streams require a Lead."
The employees exchanged excited glances.
Some practically vibrated with anticipation.
"The Lead for Team Alpha is Seraphina Simmons."
A collective groan seemed to silently pass through the room.
Seraphina barely blinked.
Landon held her gaze. "You did a brilliant job spotting those critical errors yesterday. If you're smart enough to find the holes, you deserve the chance to lead the team that patches them."
Seraphina looked right through him.
She knew exactly what Landon was playing at. He wasn't handing her power out of the goodness of his heart.
Which meant the Lead for Team Beta was the real trap.
"And Team Beta?" she asked coolly.
Landon stepped aside.
A woman walked gracefully through the glass doors.
It was Melody. She wore an impeccably tailored beige pantsuit, her makeup flawless, and a small medical bandage taped over the back of her hand.
The moment she stepped in, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Several employees' eyes lit up like they'd struck gold.
"Melody Monroe?"
"What is she doing here?"
"I heard the Monroe family was also looking to invest in Paradox Logic. She's a genius at risk assessment."
Melody offered the room a warm, humble smile. "Hello, everyone. I look forward to working with all of you."
Landon made it official. "Team Beta Lead, Melody Monroe."
Seymour’s eyes darted between Melody and Seraphina, the pieces finally clicking together in his head.
This wasn't just a project split.
This was a battlefield. Everyone was being forced to pick a side.
Landon tapped the stacks of paper on the table. "You all have the freedom to choose your team. Think it over today and submit your decisions by 9 AM tomorrow."
The office instantly exploded with chatter.
Several people flocked toward Melody, unable to hide their enthusiasm.
"Melody, if we join Team Beta, will we be integrating resources from the Monroe family?"
Melody smiled modestly. "Project resources will follow standard company protocols, but I will do everything in my power to support my team."
It was the perfect corporate non-answer, but it was exactly what they wanted to hear.

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