Elena Palvin had presence.
Not loud or dramatic, but the quiet authority of someone used to making decisions worth hundreds of millions.
Her dark hair was tied back neatly, and her white blazer contrasted sharply with the dark room around her.
She studied Ethan carefully before speaking.
"You're younger than I expected."
Ethan didn't react.
"You're older than I expected."
Chris laughed quietly.
"Okay, I like him already."
Elena ignored her brother and continued examining Ethan.
"You dismantled three regional competitors in the last month."
"Yes."
"You manipulated Marcus Hale into financing your expansion."
"Yes."
"And you did it without appearing publicly."
Ethan nodded once.
"Correct."
She smiled faintly.
"Interesting strategy."
Cara watched the exchange carefully.
She could already see it happening.
Elena respected Ethan.
Chris was intrigued by Aria.
And the dynamics were beginning to shift.
Elena finally spoke again.
"Come tomorrow morning," she said. "We're hosting a private discussion with several major investors."
Chris leaned closer to Ethan.
"If you impress them," he said quietly, "you'll skip ten years of climbing."
Ethan looked around the room slowly.
People were still whispering about him.
Trying to confirm if he was really the same Ethan Cole they had heard about.
He turned back to Elena.
"I'll be there."