The restaurant buzzed with quiet conversation, and the ambient lighting made everything feel intimate yet professional. Vanessa stepped inside, her tailored navy-blue dress exuding confidence. Her sharp heels clicked against the polished floor as a hostess guided her to the reserved table. Mr. Kenwood stood when she approached, offering a polite smile. “Ms. Rodriguez, always a pleasure.” Vanessa extended her hand. “Mr. Kenwood, thank you for meeting me.” He gestured to her chair, and she sat gracefully. A waiter appeared, pouring wine into their glasses and presenting the menus. “You’ve been keeping quite busy, I hear,” Kenwood said, sitting across from her. Vanessa nodded, her fingers resting lightly on the menu. “That’s one way to put it. Expansion doesn’t happen without a bit of ch

