“Is she qualified to handle this room?”
Imani remained still.
The manager smiled professionally. “Yes, Mr. Sterling. Ms. Carter is one of our most experienced evening attendants.”
Walter raised an eyebrow. “This is a serious business dinner. I don't want somebody making mistakes in front of our Japanese partners.”
The manager nodded. “Of course.”
Imani met Walter's eyes briefly.
He looked away.
It was a small exchange, but Julian noticed it. He also noticed that Imani seemed to understand the restaurant manager's Japanese instructions without assistance.
For a moment, he studied her.
Then he returned to his phone.
The Japanese delegation arrived shortly afterward.
Hiroshi Aizawa entered wearing a dark suit and a modest silver watch. He was accompanied by two company directors, a finance executive, and an interpreter assigned through the formal transaction team. They greeted Walter warmly and took their places around the table.
The evening began with careful politeness.
Walter spoke about the future of robotics manufacturing. Hiroshi explained his hopes for expanding Aizawa Motion's international distribution. Several executives discussed manufacturing improvements, engineering exchanges, and the expected benefits of the acquisition.
Imani served tea and small courses.
She moved quietly, anticipating requests without interrupting the conversation.
For a while, she almost forgot the uncomfortable exchanges she'd overheard during previous visits.
Then the bankers brought in the ceremonial materials.
The contract folders were placed on the table.
A presentation display showed the acquisition structure.
And Walter, determined to impress the assembled guests, asked that the bundles of cash from an earlier investor event be arranged along one side of the room.
The restaurant manager looked uncomfortable.
It wasn't a normal dining request.
But the private suite had been reserved under an unusually expensive event agreement, and Walter's staff had made the necessary security arrangements.
The money was brought in under supervision.
Several guests laughed at the extravagance.
Hiroshi looked unimpressed.
He cared about manufacturing equipment, employees, and technical capabilities.
Physical stacks of banknotes didn't tell him whether the combined business would succeed.
Walter seemed not to notice.
He pointed toward the cash and joked that Americans liked making their financial commitments visible.
Hiroshi smiled politely.
Then replied through his interpreter.
“In Japan, we prefer to make the commitments clear in writing.”
Imani almost smiled.
It was a restrained remark, but it contained more wisdom than Walter appeared to realize.
Julian's expression tightened.
He wanted the documents signed before the evening became complicated.
The dinner continued.
Then Walter noticed Imani looking toward the Japanese-language agreement as she placed a tea cup beside the folder.
“What are you staring at?”
She stopped.