The air in the room felt still when Marian extended her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you, Gary,” she said, forcing a polite smile.
Gary stood up, his expression friendly. “You too, Marian.” He took her hand with an easy confidence that spoke of years in business.
For a moment, Marian debated whether to extend her greeting to Elise. She could already feel the subtle prickle at the back of her neck—the kind that warned her something was about to sting. But professionalism won, as it always did.
Turning slightly, she offered her hand to the woman sitting quietly beside Gary. “Nice to meet you, Elise.”
Elise’s hesitation lasted only a heartbeat, but Marian caught it. Their fingers met. Elise’s grip was soft, her palm cold, and Marian felt her own hand tremble slightly despite herself.
“Nice
