Yet she'd come to a small café to speak with a waitress who had spent the previous night worrying about rent.
Inés seemed to understand the awkwardness.
“I wanted to apologize for what happened at dinner.”
Elena blinked.
“You didn't do anything wrong.”
Inés shook her head.
“I watched for longer than I should have before intervening.”
Elena looked toward the table.
For several seconds, she didn't answer.
Then Inés continued.
“Your Spanish was excellent.”
Elena smiled faintly.
“Thank you.”
“But that isn't what impressed me most.”
Elena looked up.
Inés continued.
“You made an important distinction between what a financial model predicts and what the underlying contracts actually support. Then, when Antoine began asking about your research, you refused to disclose confidential information.”
Elena nodded.
“I tried to.”
“You did.”
Inés leaned forward.
“That shows judgment.”
The compliment meant more than Elena expected.
For years, people had praised her language skills as though she were performing an amusing trick.
Inés was praising the part of her work that required the greatest discipline.
Knowing what she could say.
What she shouldn't say.
And why the distinction mattered.
Elena took a slow breath.
“Thank you.”
Inés smiled.
“Professor Ibarra says you've been doing strong work.”
Elena looked surprised.
“You spoke with her?”
“Through the appropriate project channels. We haven't discussed anything outside the review process.”
Elena nodded.
Then Inés became serious.
“I also want you to know that the consortium has postponed its financing decision until the material discrepancies are reconciled.”
Elena stared.
“Because of the dinner?”
Inés shook her head.
“No. The concerns were already under review. Your explanation happened to illustrate why they matter.”
Elena felt relief.
She hadn't wanted to be credited with stopping a major project by herself.
That would have been inaccurate.
The assessment involved multiple researchers, lawyers, engineers, financial analysts, and commercial specialists.
Elena had contributed one part.
An important part.
But still one part.
Inés continued.
“The question now is whether the project can be restructured around credible assumptions.”
Elena nodded.
“That's what I hope.”
Inés looked surprised.
“You hope it proceeds?”
“If it can proceed honestly and sustainably.”
The investor studied her.
Elena continued.
“The infrastructure could benefit producers and businesses. But the financing should reflect the actual risks, not an optimistic presentation that transfers those risks to people with less bargaining power.”
Inés smiled slowly.
“That is a very mature answer.”
Elena looked down.