"That's correct."
Daniel shook his head.
"Unbelievable."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice.
"Do you have any idea who is sitting inside that room?"
Marcus looked through the glass.
"Yes."
"Those are the senior executives of Sterling Global. The company's board members. People who have spent decades building this organization."
"I understand."
"Then perhaps you should explain why you think you belong among them."
Marcus did not change his expression.
"I believe the meeting agenda can answer that question."
Daniel's eyebrows rose.
"The agenda?"
"Yes. You might want to review it before making assumptions."
Daniel's expression hardened.
"Are you telling me how to do my job?"
"No. I'm suggesting that you verify the information before making a decision."
Daniel stepped directly into his path.
"Listen carefully. I don't know whether you're an assistant, a contractor, or someone from another department, but you cannot simply walk into an executive meeting because you feel like it."
Marcus glanced at the man's name badge.
Daniel Whitmore.
He recognized the name immediately.
"Mr. Whitmore, I believe there has been a misunderstanding."
Daniel's face tightened.
"How do you know my name?"
"It's on your badge."
Daniel looked down briefly, then returned his attention to Marcus.
"That's not the point."
He suddenly reached forward and grabbed the folder from Marcus's hand.
Marcus's expression changed slightly.
"Please give that back."
Daniel opened the folder without permission.
He glanced at the first page.
The document contained the title of the restructuring proposal, several financial tables, and the Sterling Global corporate logo.
Daniel barely examined it.
"What's this supposed to be?"
"Confidential meeting material."
Daniel flipped through several pages.
"Confidential?"
He laughed again.
"Do you even understand what that word means?"
Marcus held out his hand.
"I'd appreciate it if you returned my documents."
Daniel ignored him.
Instead, he raised his voice.
"Security!"
Several executives inside the boardroom turned toward the entrance.
Daniel looked over his shoulder.
"Someone needs to explain why unauthorized visitors are being allowed onto this floor."
Marcus remained still.
"Mr. Whitmore, perhaps you should contact the chairman's office."
Daniel turned back toward him.
"Don't tell me how to run this company."
He pointed toward the elevator.
"You have about ten seconds to leave before I have security escort you out."
Marcus looked directly into his eyes.
"Have you checked the meeting schedule?"
Daniel scoffed.
"I don't need to check anything."
"Have you contacted the chairman?"
"I know everyone on this executive floor."
"Then you should have no difficulty confirming my attendance."
Daniel laughed.
"That's exactly the problem. I've worked here for fifteen years. I know every senior executive, every department head, and every member of the board. I've never seen you before."
Marcus calmly replied.
"That doesn't mean I don't belong here."
Daniel's expression became openly contemptuous.
"Do you know what I think?"
Marcus said nothing.
"I think someone in administration made a mistake. Perhaps you were supposed to deliver those documents to the maintenance department."
A few employees walking through the corridor slowed down.
Daniel noticed them.
Rather than lowering his voice, he became even louder.
"People need to understand their position in an organization. This company has standards. We don't allow just anyone to wander into private meetings."
Marcus looked around.
Several executives were now watching from inside the boardroom.
Some appeared uncomfortable.
One of the directors, an older woman named Margaret Ellis, began to stand.
But Richard Coleman quietly touched her arm.
"Wait," he whispered.
Margaret frowned.
"He's being completely unreasonable."
"I know. But let's see what happens."
Daniel continued.
"You're wasting everyone's time. If you have paperwork, leave it with the assistant outside. If you need someone to explain company procedures, go back downstairs and ask reception."
Marcus held his gaze.
"Are you finished?"
Daniel blinked.
"What?"
"I asked whether you're finished."
Daniel's face reddened.
"Excuse me?"
Marcus straightened his jacket.
"Because I would like to enter the room now."
Daniel stepped closer.
"You're not going anywhere."
Marcus extended his hand.
"Give me my folder."
For the first time, Daniel hesitated.
There was something about Marcus's expression that unsettled him.
The man wasn't shouting.
He wasn't threatening anyone.
He wasn't even visibly angry.
Yet there was an unmistakable confidence in his posture.
Daniel reluctantly handed the folder back.
Marcus checked that the documents were intact.
Then he looked directly at Daniel.
"I didn't come here to deliver paperwork. I didn't come here to request permission, and I certainly didn't come here to ask for your approval."