Okay.
This is one of those“look you in the eye”situations.
The escort closes the door behind me.
Julian’s gaze moves to me, steady and direct.
“Ms. Bennett,” he says.
His voice is calm. Not warm. Not cold. Just… controlled. Like he’s already decided what kind of conversation this will be.
“Good afternoon,” I manage, because suddenly my mouth is very aware it exists. “Thank you for making the time.”
Theo snorts quietly, like what I said amused him.
Elliot’s smile widens, like he’s enjoying the show.
Julian gestures to the chair nearest the screen. “You can start whenever you’re ready.”
No small talk.
No easing in.
Perfect.
I set my bag down, open my laptop, connect to the screen with hands that don’t shake because I refuse to let them, and take a breath.
“You received the preliminary timeline yesterday,” I begin, voice steady. “This presentation expands on that and includes contingency planning, staffing, and execution details for the internal holiday event.”
Theo whispers, stage-loud,“Internal holiday event,”as if the words taste funny.
I ignore him.
I click on the first slide.
“As requested, I’ve structured the plan around minimal disruption to operations. That means a strong flow plan, clear time blocks, and limited movement through high-security areas.”
Rowan’s gaze sharpens slightly, like he approves that I’ve said the wordshigh-security areaswithout being prompted.
Good.
“As far as theme goes,” I continue, “I’m proposing something simple but elevated. Classic holiday, think warm lighting, real greenery, minimal clutter. You want it to feel intentional, nostalgic, not like a mall exploded.”
Theo makes a choking sound like he’s trying not to laugh.
Elliot shifts in his chair, amused.
Julian doesn’t react.
I move into logistics. Guest flow. Catering stations are placed to prevent bottlenecks. A check-in structure that doesn’t create a line visible from the main entryway.
I watch Julian’s eyes when I say certain things, how they narrow slightly when I mention timing, how his attention sharpens when I talk about security coordination.
He’s listening.
Actually listening.
That’s… unexpected.
