“Yes,” I say. “Because we have skin in the game. The Regent isn’t an experiment. It’s a flagship. And flagship problems don’t stay quiet.”
Crane takes a sip now, finally, like he needed to decide whether I was tolerable first. “We have internal processes that would need to be satisfied before any of this goes anywhere.”
“Of course,” I say. “I have done my homework. Nilsson, whom I was hoping to impress here tonight.”
I shift and make like I’m looking around.
“Ah, she won’t be attending tonight,” Crane says. “She was supposed to, but she flew out of a different location, and her flight was delayed. But if we choose to go forward with another meeting, she’ll be there.”
“But you really will have to work hard to impress her,” Pierce adds, almost casually. “She’s thorough.”
Halbrook’s tone is drier. “She’s infuriatingly thorough.”
Crane’s mouth tightens like he’s had his own battles with her. “She’s precise. Ethical. And she doesn’t bend.”
“Sounds like the kind of person you want watching your house,” I say with a pleasant smile.
Sloane’s eyes stay fixed on mine. “She’s the kind of person who won’t let someone buy the house if the foundation is cracked.”
“Good,” I say again, and mean it.
Pierce watches me closely. “Most people don’t react that way when they hear there’s a person who can stop them.”
“Most people assume stopping is personal,” I reply. “I assume it’s professional.”
Halbrook huffs a quiet laugh. “That’s a nice line.”
“It’s also accurate,” I say. “If Nilsson is the gate, then our job is to ensure we walk through it.”
“Fair,” Crane says, and his tone carries a fraction more openness than it did a minute ago. “You’ll get your meeting.”
“And I’ll come prepared,” I reply.
Pierce studies my face for one last beat, then gives a small nod that feels like a preliminary approval. “I look forward to seeing how you handle her.”
“So do I,” I say, and the truth of itsits steady in my chest.
Roberto steps in smoothly, reclaiming the flow. “If you’ll excuse us, I want to make sure you’re introduced to a few of our partners this evening. And of course, enjoy everything The Regent has to offer.”
Crane nods. “Thank you.”
Handshakes again. Smiles. The right words. The right distance.
As Roberto guides me away, the crowd swallows us back up.
When we’re out of earshot, Roberto leans slightly toward me. “Be careful.”
“With what?” I ask, still smiling at a passing guest like I’m enjoying myself.
“With Nilsson,” he says quietly. “If she’s as incorruptible as they say, you can’t do your usual thing.”
“My usual thing is winning,” I murmur.
Roberto’s voice stays calm. “Your usual thing is pushing until people move. Don’t push her. If you spook her, she doesn’t just say no. She documents why.”
I nod once.
My side gives me another twinge, and I breathe through it without letting my smile change.
