The capital strategy summit was held on the upper floors of a private financial institute overlooking Montclair's older banking district. Old stone exterior. Inside, stripped down. Glass and steel.
Only a small circle had been invited. No public registration. No press. The people here weren't looking for visibility.
Franz and Lucas entered through the back door, accessible only to approved delegates and panelists.
Lucas wore his badge on his jacket. They arrived on time—not early, not late.
Franz noted the hush as they stepped inside. Not emptiness. People who didn't need to fill space with noise. He'd learned that kind of quiet young. It felt familiar in an uncomfortable way.
Conversations stayed low. Small groups: institutional investors, private equity directors, regulatory advisors, senior counsel. No loud greetings. No one lingering for show.
Franz attended as Franz Rochefort. Very few people here knew about his other career. It didn't matter.
