The bronze letters above the revolving doors read FIRST NATIONAL BANK.
She looked at them for a moment.
Then entered.
The lobby was breathtaking.
Towering white marble columns rose toward a high ceiling fitted with elegant light fixtures. Floor-to-ceiling windows filled the room with natural light, and the polished stone floor reflected the movement of customers walking between the reception desk and private banking suites.
Near the windows, wealthy-looking clients waited in cream leather chairs.
A businessman spoke quietly into his phone.
An elderly couple sat beside a table displaying financial magazines.
And several employees moved through the lobby carrying folders and tablet computers.
Amelia had visited expensive hotels with less impressive entrances.
She understood why the branch's marketing materials emphasized luxury.
But she also noticed something missing.
There was no clear sign explaining how an ordinary customer could request a basic account-opening appointment.
The signs pointed toward private banking.
Wealth management.
Corporate services.
And investment consultations.
The standard deposit-service information was tucked beside a narrow corridor near the back.
Amelia walked toward reception.
Sofia looked up.
For a moment, her eyes widened at the woman's glamorous outfit.
Then she smiled.
"Good morning. Welcome to First National Bank. How may I help you?"
Amelia returned the smile.
"Good morning. I'd like to speak with someone about opening an account for a small community foundation."
Sofia nodded.
"Certainly. Do you have an appointment?"
"Not for that service."
The receptionist glanced toward the booking screen.
Then asked, "Do you have your identification and foundation documents available?"
Amelia nodded.
"Yes."
Sofia smiled.
"Wonderful. Let me check whether one of our business banking associates is available."
She began typing.
At that moment, Cynthia Price approached.
Cynthia was forty-eight, with carefully styled blonde hair and a fitted navy business suit. She had worked with Keller for nearly seven years and was responsible for many of the branch's administrative procedures.
She glanced at Amelia.
Then at Sofia's screen.
"What are you doing?"
Sofia looked up.
"Arranging a consultation."
Cynthia studied Amelia's outfit.
For a moment, her expression became dismissive.
"Does she have a preferred-client profile?"
Sofia hesitated.
"She's requesting information about opening a foundation account."
Cynthia sighed.
"We're not taking walk-in nonprofit consultations this morning."
Amelia looked toward her.
"Is that a written policy?"
Cynthia blinked.
"Excuse me?"
"I'd like to know whether the restriction is part of the bank's published account-opening requirements."
Cynthia's expression hardened.
"Ma'am, the downtown branch handles specialized relationships."
Amelia nodded.
"I understand. The foundation is prepared to provide whatever documentation the bank requires."