White lie

After the board meeting concluded in just under an hour, Merrick swiftly made his way to his office on the 17th floor. With purposeful strides, he reached his office door and proceeded to walk inside. As he entered, he spotted Nora, his secretary, rising from her desk.

"Sir, Mr. William Taylor is here," Nora informed him respectfully.

Merrick, wearing a warm smile, replied, "Oh, William! Excellent. You can get back to work, Nora."

Nora resumed her seat at the secretary post, engrossed in her tasks. Meanwhile, Merrick advanced further into his office and discovered William reclining comfortably on the couch, engrossed in his phone.

"What's up, dude?" William greeted, his attention still focused on his device.

Merrick reciprocated the casual greeting, saying, "I'm cool," as he approached his desk and placed the files he had been carrying onto it.

William leaned forward on the couch, his curiosity piqued. " Merrick, Nora mentioned you had a meeting with the board of directors. What was i