Matthew nodded, though something in his eyes lingered, something close to longing. His father stepped in quickly. "Matthew had such high hopes for the Anozie partnership, you know. Now we'll just have to see how the cards fall in the future."
"I'm sure there will be opportunities for everyone," Olaedo replied, her voice calm and even. Internally though she was glad she rejected that partnership.
What a creepy family, she thought silently remembering what Matthew had said to her the last time he visited her company.
Next came the foreign dignitaries, Mr. and Mrs. Kabanda with their daughter, Malaika. The Kabandas held deep influence within the continental diplomatic circle.
As the couple approached them, a waiter drifted past with a tray of drinks. Chibuzor reached out without thinking, but before his fingers touched a glass, Olaedo intercepted and gave him a small, sharp pinch on the wrist.
"Remember," she whispered through a tight smile, "we agreed, no drinking. Bad optics."
