The stunned silence stretched on as aides exchanged bewildered looks.

Time itself seemed to pause.

Whatever had been said, it struck a nerve so deep that no one dared spea

k, and attempts to resume the agenda faltered under the weight of that quiet.

Analysts note that high-stakes decisions often bring tempers to the boil, but this kind of public showdown is rare.

By day’s end, both men were back at their duties,

but the atmosphere remained taut, and no official statements acknowledged the outburst.

Behind the scenes, though, negotiations are already underway to soothe tensions and refocus everyone on the work at hand.