Preston arrived early to inspect the arrangements. He directed a waiter to move the champagne station because it obstructed photographs of the stage, then asked Sienna to make sure the social-media coverage emphasized the company's confidence in its future. The event was technically hosted by an internal leadership committee, but everyone understood whose approval had made it possible. Preston liked that understanding to remain unspoken; he preferred influence when it looked natural.
"Congratulations," Sienna said as he adjusted his cuffs. "They really went all out." Preston accepted a glass from a passing server and smiled at the banner. "People need something to believe in," he answered. "The board will say what it needs to say Monday, and everyone will understand who runs this place."
Kelsey had been assigned to guest check-in. She wore a black dress and a small name badge, and she had been given a list of invited executives, advisers, and board members. She recognized Imani's name halfway down the list, but she had not yet understood what it meant. Under the entry, the column marked HOST read HELENA MARSH, and the notation beside it said confidential acquisition guest.
Kelsey considered telling Preston that the woman from Monday had been invited. She had learned enough from the abrupt firing of Maya to suspect that contradicting him might cost her the same way. Instead, she asked Sienna whether the guest list looked correct. Sienna glanced at it, laughed, and said that somebody in Helena's office must have decided the rooftop needed entertainment.
The joke did not settle Kelsey's stomach. She remembered Maya walking toward the bus stop with her belongings in a paper bag. She remembered her own apology and the answer she had received. You could have said something. By the time the first guests arrived, Kelsey had stopped laughing at Sienna's remarks, but she had not yet found the courage to challenge them.
Imani and Julian came up shortly after seven. Imani wore a simple cream blouse beneath a dark jacket, with no jewelry beyond a small pair of earrings. Julian was in a navy suit, carrying a slim folder and an expression that suggested he would rather be anywhere else. They were checked against the list without incident, and a staff member directed them toward the terrace.
"You're certain this is necessary?" Julian asked as they stepped out beneath the heaters. Imani looked at the banner, then at the people arranging themselves around Preston for photographs. "Necessary isn't the word," she said. "But if he's going to lead a company, I'd like to see how he behaves when he thinks he's already won."
Several guests recognized Julian from the acquisition negotiations and offered discreet greetings. He responded politely and made no introductions beyond what was needed. Imani walked toward the food table, listening to conversations about executive compensation, market expansion, and how the new owner would probably leave operations to the experienced leadership team. The assumption was widespread enough to make her wonder whether anybody had considered that the owner might have an opinion of her own.
Preston spotted her near the glass railing. He did not appear surprised that she existed, only irritated that she had found another way into a room he considered his. He approached with Sienna close behind. "Well," he said, loud enough to attract attention, "the lobby lady is back."