Penny's POV
The party resumed after Sebastian and the executives wrapped up their presentations. The ambient lighting returned to its warm glow, conversations picked up their natural rhythm, and the gentle sound of champagne flutes created a sophisticated backdrop.
I made repeated attempts to catch Bernie for a private conversation. It seemed like fate had conspired against any possibility of us speaking alone tonight.
Each time I thought an opportunity had presented itself, something interfered. The first attempt came when I noticed him stepping away from a cluster of people near the bar. An influential Ironburg investor appeared instantly with an entourage of executives in tow. Bernie seamlessly transformed into his polished corporate persona, leaving me standing there clutching my wine glass while he vanished into a web of business discussions.
