When Strangers Wish

g room as Luc entered. Buttoning the cuff of his sh

structions softly and briskly. She made the maid pol

you the usual?" Elise asked, gesturing

, thank you

. She scrolled and tapped with well-manicured fingers, without

illa in Amalfi?" she asked

lise replied. "We sent t

other weekend of endless shopping, social functions, champagne, and

ptily. "We'll need to try on some new clothe

ion. How a

he coffee Elise poured him. He inhaled it

hen, followed by the appearance of a young kitchen

" Isabelle said without l

he atmosphere of activity around him. The sounds of pla

t. A house active

, it felt

es on the table. "Madame, the designer call

abelle said smoothly, tapping her phone again. "Please

e." Elise bowed h

uries like she was inhaling and exhaling air. He watched

relationship? But no, that's not her responsibility. She'd

th a sharp clatter. "What's on your mi

st thinking about my me

lways." She reached for a croiss

nce ensued as he slow

ng it to radiate more light. Then she smoothed

lecting extra dishes from the table. She ea

======

of smart confidence. Instantly, the eight seate

Not to waste any time, I'll p

s assistant in the anteroom. She answered positivel

d the remo

creen. It was imaginatively reconceived as a half-moon-shaped marina. It h

f-the-art infrastructure is combined with luxu

explicitness. It felt less like a business pitch. But more like

ted. "We're establishing a new echelon of l

tapped on his tablet screen. He looked up and asked, "Wha

ainability is important. That's why we have tea

scaping are designed with one goal. To maintain the ecosystem.

n the room as the investors list

d with the presentation, a

. She would only ask when the construction would be completed. He

ftly, putting the thought

lve percent year-ove

a woman in a beige sui

we're confident of a twelve percent occupancy rate." He changed the slides aga

he numbers. They looked impressed as they too

her investor chipped in. "Who's le

y've handled and their locations. He spoke about joint-venture securi

ed over the room. In that brief moment, Luc allowed himself a l

is practicable. Unlike the

allowed himself a subtle nod of gratitude. His posture was straight

ive. His data impressed the room. He craved a diff

" Audrey said again after a

"Please arrange a luncheon for two for next

d, already entering the