*Noah's POV*
I push open the conference room door and see them immediately. Victor Bennett, looking anxious in an expensive suit that can't quite hide his desperation. And beside him, Zoey Bennett, tugging at a dress that leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination.
She looks up as I enter, and I watch her eyes take in my appearance. Simple black shirt. Dark jeans. No tie, no designer labels. Nothing that screams money or power.
Her expression shifts from hope to confusion to barely concealed disappointment.
"Mr. Steele?" Victor stands quickly, extending his hand.
"Mr. Steele is currently in meetings," I say smoothly, not moving to shake his hand. "I'm Noah. I handle preliminary discussions."
The deflation in their faces is immediate and satisfying.
"Oh." Victor's hand drops awkwardly to his side. "We were expecting to meet with the president directly."
