Vivian stood up so fast she almost knocked her chair over.

She smoothed down her skirt and nudged Daniel hard in the ribs.

Daniel jumped, nearly spilling his drink, and scrambled to his feet.

I watched as Vivian led her family toward the aisle to intercept Vance before he could reach his table.

“Mr. Vance!” Vivian called out, her voice dripping with artificial warmth.

“What a pleasure to see you here tonight.”

Arthur Vance paused, looking at her with a polite, neutral expression.

“Mrs. Mercer,” he said, shaking her hand briefly. “I did not realize you would be attending.”

“Of course,” Vivian said, gesturing to Daniel and Claire. “We wouldn’t miss such an important evening.”

“Especially since our two families are on the verge of a historic partnership.”

Daniel forced a weak smile and extended his hand. “Good evening, Mr. Vance.”

Vance shook Daniel’s hand, though his eyes lingered on the nervous sweat on Daniel’s forehead.

“Yes, the partnership,” Vance said smoothly. “We still have several details to discuss.”

“We can discuss them right now,” Vivian said quickly, pointing toward her table.