Fishing for Rumors

"I'm driving the car back downtown tonight, gentlemen," Jude said, nodding toward Anna. "My estate manager will take the toasts."

The executives had no objections; making a connection with Lawson Capital was all they cared about.

Anna kept her expression neutral, but her fingers tightened around the stem of her glass.

Under the expectations Jude had laid out, she couldn't decline a directive in front of clients...

One after another, as partners and firm directors stepped forward, Anna accepted the drinks, taking down glasses of vintage champagne and single-malt scotch.

Her background had built up a solid tolerance, but after 45 minutes of back-to-back toasts from a dozen executives, the alcohol was clearly catching up to her.

Across the room, Silas watched from the perimeter, his eyes narrowed.

Walking across the room to pull Jude Lawson's staff member away would expose their prior connection on the spot. He had to stand by and watch.