""Why are we wasting breath on this brainless servant?"
" Tariq's Arabic was a jagged sneer. His eyes raking over Nia with the casual cruelty of a man inspecting a piece of property. He didn't even bother to lower his voice, certain she was as uneducated as she was invisible to him. ""She's a vacant creature, Omar. Nothing but a puppet in a silk dress who belongs in a kitchen, not a gala." " Omar nodded, his gaze passing right through Nia as if she were just another piece of the hotel's furniture. ""The Americans love their little ornaments. Let her stand there and look pretty for the cameras.
Then we can ignore the help and find the men who actually own the company." " Nia stood perfectly still in her strapless navy satin, her fingers steady against her wine glass, despite the venom being spewed in her face. They stood there grinning, completely oblivious that they were mocking their own executioner in her native tongue. Seconds away from freezing the room with a reply in perfect Arabic and canceling their $900 million deal on the spot. The gleaming brass handles of the Fairmont Crescent's presidential ballroom felt cool under Nia Albright's palm as she pushed through the entrance. Camera flashes erupted immediately, temporarily blinding her.
She blinked, maintaining her practiced smile as her eyes adjusted to the bright lights and glittering chandeliers. Her midnight blue evening gown whispered against the marble floor as she moved forward. The dress had been carefully chosen, elegant but not flashy, powerful but not aggressive, perfect for signing a $900 million deal that would transform water infrastructure across three regions. Graham, over here, a photographer called out. Graham Vale, chairman of the Aegis board, stepped smoothly in front of Nia, spreading his arms wide in welcome.
His silver hair caught the light as he beamed for the cameras. And of course, our CEO, the photographer added, almost as an afterthought. Nia kept her expression neutral, though her jaw tightened slightly. A server offered champagne. Nia declined with a small shake of her head.
She needed absolute clarity tonight. The massive ballroom sparkled with wealth. Crystal glasses, designer gowns, diamond cufflinks. The air smelled of expensive perfume and fresh flowers. Mrs.
Vale, welcome. A donor approached, hand extended toward Nia. Ms. Albright. Graham corrected smoothly.
Nia is our founder and CEO. The donor's smile flickered. Oh, I'm so sorry. I just assumed No harm done, Nia said quietly, though the assumption stung. She'd built Aegis from nothing into a global leader in water purification systems, yet here she was, still being mistaken for someone's wife.
Across the room, she spotted Omar Haddad and Tariq Nassar watching her. They stood apart from the crowd, expensive suits setting them apart from the standard black tie attire. Omar raised his glass slightly in acknowledgement, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. Tariq didn't bother smiling at all. Graham's hand touched her elbow.
Let's keep things light tonight, he murmured. No need to dive into technical details or numbers. This is about relationships. Nia turned to face him. The final contract terms will be handled through proper channels, Graham cut in smoothly.