Elevator doors opened. Third floor. Polished marble. Elena stepped out. Black dress, Structured shoulders. Straight lines. She adjusted her clutch. Walked toward the bar. Alexander stood near the back. He didn't look at her immediately. He watched the bartender pour. Then he turned. Handed her a thin manila folder.
"Read this before we sit," he said.
She opened it. Spreadsheets. Route maps. Supplier names, Port clearance times. Competitor logistics networks.
"These are your competitors' supply chains," he said.
She flipped a page. "You tracked their freight cycles."
"Memorize three. Ignore the rest."
She looked up. "You are coaching me."
"I am protecting my investment."
"You are protecting my focus."
He didn't deny it. He checked his watch. "They are waiting. Stay sharp. Do not volunteer numbers unless asked. Answer only what they ask. Keep your tone flat."
"I know how to talk to investors."
