Stan walked back to the Star Entertainment table with the unhurried composure of a man who had just handled a minor inconvenience and was now returning to the actual business of the evening.
He slipped into his seat between Vivian and Xenia without ceremony.
Vivian glanced sideways at him, the question already present in her eyes.
"Everything alright?"
"It's nothing."
Vivian held his gaze for a second longer than necessary, clearly unconvinced, but ultimately chose not to press.
"The shortlist discussion is progressing well," she said, smoothly returning to business. "Xenia and I narrowed the development framework down to three possible structures. I wanted your input once she had time to review each option."
"Walk me through them."
Vivian nodded and immediately transitioned into explanation mode with the effortless professionalism of a branch manager fully in her element.
Her voice was calm, structured, efficient.
