People applauded.
He smiled.
“About leaving dead weight behind.”
The room erupted in laughter.
Vanessa leaned against him, glowing with satisfaction.
Daniel continued.
“Some people drain you. Other people build beside you.”
I was sitting in an airport lounge during my layover, watching the livestream on Miriam’s tablet.
My reflection floated faintly against the dark window overlooking the runway.
Miriam looked up at me.
“He just called you dead weight in front of half the city.”
“I heard him.”
“You’re remarkably calm.”
I took another sip of coffee.
“I had twelve years to stop being surprised by him.”
On the screen, Vanessa lifted her champagne glass.
“To winning.”
Then Arthur Bell appeared.
Daniel’s smile widened immediately.
Arthur was seventy-two years old, silver-haired, impeccably dressed, and frightening in the quiet, courteous way certain powerful men become after decades of never needing to raise their voices.
Years earlier, Arthur had invested in Daniel’s company.
More recently, he had joined one of my advisory boards.
Daniel spotted him near the entrance and hurried over.
“Arthur! You came!”
Arthur shook his hand.
“Wouldn’t have missed it.”
Vanessa leaned forward and kissed his cheek.
“We’re honored you’re here.”
