Chapter 158

• GUSTAVO
• The ballroom lights had dimmed to a soft glow by the time the last guests trickled out. I stood near the exit, shaking hands, nodding thanks, keeping the smile in place even though my mind was already somewhere else. The woman in the red dress—Claire, from the rival firm—lingered longest. She leaned in close, perfume sharp, and slipped a folded card into my jacket pocket.
• “In case you ever want to talk more about that joint venture,” she said, voice low and playful. Her fingers brushed my arm one last time.