Chapter 153

• GUSTAVO
• ~•~
• I walked into the private club downtown that evening, the place quiet with dark wood panels and leather booths, cigar smoke hanging low in the air. It was exclusive, the kind where deals got made without noise. I wore a tailored black suit, sharp and simple, and heads turned a little as I moved through. The energy elites were already there, a mix of oil executives and investors waiting at a round table in the secluded room back. Their support could push DeLuca Energy higher, toward real billionaire status. I shook hands firm as I joined them, nods and quick smiles all around.