When I left the meeting room, the man who had stood beside me during the proceedings followed closely behind Luc and me. I wanted to ask who he was, but didn't have the courage to ask him directly, and it felt too awkward to ask Luc while he was right there.
He accompanied us all the way to the private elevator - one that only Luc, her team, and I ever used - which only deepened my curiosity and unease.
He even followed us all the way back to my office. That was unusual. Apart from the Transition Team's visit on my first day, no one besides Luc and her closest aides had ever stepped foot in this room.
"Miss Roen," Luc finally broke the silence once we were inside and the door was shut, "allow me to introduce a new colleague."
"Yes… please do."
"This is Cassian Vale. Your Executive Advisor."
"Nice to meet you, Miss Roen," the man said, bowing his head respectfully.
"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Vale."
"Please - just Cassian is fine."
