He looks surprised.
But instead of questioning her presence, he assumes she is assisting the meeting.
Amara takes the chair at the head of the table.
Marcus looks around.
“That's the director's seat.”
Amara sits down.
“I know.”
Marcus laughs awkwardly.
“Are you sure?”
Amara opens the folder in front of her.
“Yes.”
The room becomes quiet.
Then Amara looks directly at Marcus.
“Let's begin.”
A senior administrator enters carrying a folder.
She stops when she sees Amara.
“Good morning, Director Reed.”
Marcus freezes.
The room suddenly feels completely different.
Amara doesn't look at Marcus.
She simply continues reviewing the documents.
Marcus realizes the truth.
The woman he had ordered away from the desk is the person who now has authority over his department.
His face changes from confidence to disbelief.
Amara finally looks up.
“Mr. Hayes.”
Marcus straightens.
“Yes?”
“We need to discuss something before this meeting begins.”
He knows exactly what she means.
After the meeting, Marcus asks to speak with Amara privately.
He immediately apologizes.
He says he didn't know who she was.
Amara listens.