A car drove along the lake before turning toward the private entrance of the Montreux Elite Capital Forum. Stone and glass. Clean lines. Muted steel. Facade reflecting the dark lake and the cloudy winter sky. Security barriers opened without visible guards. The event didn't need a show. Everyone invited already knew what it was about.
Inside the car. Heater humming. Franz reviewed his briefing on the tablet, screen light catching his jaw. He took his time. Finished the last page, closed the file, placed the tablet down between them.
Arianne looked at the lake through the window. Montreux at night had a different light than Montclair, even though both cities were in the same country. The lake didn't reflect the city cleanly—lights broke apart across the surface instead of holding their shape. It felt colder here. Sharper.
"What's the schedule after we register?" Franz asked.
"Closed session at seven. Private dinner for the main delegates at nine."
"And Blackwood?"
