Mariam asked about the relationship between Broadwater and Meridian's financial advisers.
Nabil shifted uncomfortably.
He explained that the company had been introduced as a redevelopment consultant and that the contingent compensation was tied to commercial work anticipated after the acquisition.
Some of what he said could be legitimate.
But the arrangement required independent review.
And the timing was troubling.
Faisal looked at his nephew.
"Did you know the trust hadn't approved the transfer?"
Nabil stared.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Then answered.
"I believed the problem could be resolved."
Faisal leaned forward.
"Did you know?"
Nabil looked away.
The silence was answer enough.
Faisal stood.
For a moment, he looked older than fifty-eight.
He walked toward the window, where the city stretched beneath the afternoon sky.
Then he spoke without turning around.
"Your father helped create the original agreement."
Nabil remained silent.
Faisal continued.
"He insisted the community retain meaningful rights."
His voice tightened.
"And you've treated those rights as an obstacle to your bonus."
Nabil stood abruptly.
"That's unfair."
Faisal turned.
For a moment, his expression became fierce.
"Unfair?"
Nabil stepped closer.
"Do you know how much time I spent on this transaction? How many banks, lawyers, and advisers I've dealt with? The terminal needs investment. The seller needs financing. Hundreds of jobs depend on a deal."
His voice rose.
"And now everyone is acting as though a woman who waits tables understands the entire transaction better than the people who built it."
Faisal stared.
For several seconds, the room was silent.
Then he answered.
"She understood enough to tell us what you chose not to disclose."
Nabil's face tightened.
He looked away.
For a moment, he seemed about to argue again.
Then Faisal continued.
"You're removed from responsibility for this transaction pending independent review."
Nabil stared.
"You can't be serious."
Mariam remained still.
Faisal looked directly at his nephew.
"I am."
Nabil's expression changed from disbelief to anger.
He reached for his folder.
Then stopped.
For several seconds, he looked toward his uncle.
Finally, he said quietly.
"You'll lose the deal."
Faisal took a slow breath.
"Perhaps."
Nabil shook his head.
Then walked toward the door.
Before leaving, he turned back.
"You're letting sentiment destroy nine hundred million dollars."
Faisal looked toward him.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then answered.
"No. I'm trying to discover whether we were ever entitled to buy what was being offered."
The door closed.