"Jessie." As Jessie Sterling approached, Ivan Hudson greeted her.
Jessie Sterling nodded. "President Hudson."
'She didn't think they were that close.'
"I'd meant to invite the two of you to get together in Aethelburg before the holidays, but the timing was never right. Let's meet up when we're back in the city and have some free time," Ivan Hudson said.
Jessie Sterling didn't respond. She'd leave that sort of thing up to Victor Morgan. Besides, even if Victor agreed, no one could say anything if she decided not to go later.
With one arm around Jessie Sterling's slender waist and a champagne flute in the other, Victor Morgan clinked his glass against Ivan Hudson's. "See you around."
The words were a clear signal to end the conversation. Ivan Hudson had no desire to be a third wheel, so he quickly took his leave.
"What were you two talking about?" Jessie Sterling asked.
"Some business over in Australia," Victor Morgan said. "Ivan Hudson wants to partner on it."
