Chapter 305

• I took in the eager crowd around me with practiced ease. The atmosphere in the Northwatch gallery had shifted; it wasn’t just an exhibition anymore it was a moment of social leverage. My lips curved into a playful smile.
• “Well,” I said, keeping my voice light but intentional, “since everyone clearly adores Rafeal’s work, I have a feeling I’d become public enemy number one if I said none of these pieces were for sale.”
• Laughter rippled through the crowd, but Davis, the powerful Minister of Defense, raised his voice with a grin. “We’d never dare, Ms. Sterling. And if anyone did, I’d be the first to shut it down.”