The Blind Trust

Calvin Hoover strode through the bustling trading floor on the top of the city's premiere office tower. His intimidating presence rippled through the crowded desks and screens.

"Hoover," a nervous junior analyst stuttered, "The quarterly reports are in."

"And..." he gave the young woman a piercing gaze.

"We're slightly below projections."

He scoffed.

"Slightly? Slightly below? What's your name?"

"Kim..."

"This isn't a game of horseshoes, Kim. We don't get points for almost winning."

Kim's face grew flush and she looked away. Calvin savored moments like this, the power he wielded, the fear he instilled. He was a master of this world, a conductor controlling a symphony of cash and risk.

"I'm taking the afternoon off," his announcement cutting through the tense atmosphere in the room. "Skiing. Do you think you can handle things without me, Kim?"

A weak nod was his only answer. He smirked. She couldn't even look him in the eye.

He turned and left, already picturing the slopes and the rush of adrenaline that only came with pushing the limits.

He had believed himself to be invincible, untouchable. But his life changed that day.