Mexico City, Three Years Ago
9:45 PM, The Gran Palacio Ballroom
Gabriel tugged at the cuffs of his black wool double-breasted peak lapel tuxedo, more out of habit than necessity. Around him, the glittering ballroom buzzed with conversation, the kind of polished, calculated talk he had grown used to over the years.
This was his world: annual galas, endless schmoozing, and deals that shaped skylines. As the CEO of the largest real estate firm in San Francisco, being here was less about choice and more about duty. Tonight, the focus was on expanding their footprint into Latin America, but Gabriel’s mind was far from the logistics of skyscrapers and property lines.
“…we’re better off delaying the deal until the second quarter,” Jonathan was saying, his tone calm and practical.
Gabriel nod
