Then she burst out laughing.
“Oh, sweetheart.”
The CEO smiled.
“What?”
“Are you going to a business meeting or an art exhibition?”
“Both, apparently.”
Her mother shook her head.
“That dress looks like somebody folded a sofa into a flower.”
The CEO laughed.
“It's couture.”
“I know it's couture. That doesn't make it easy to sit down.”
The CEO looked toward the enormous loops.
“I've practiced.”
Her mother laughed again.
Then her expression softened.
“You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“Important day?”
“Very.”
Her mother became serious.
“The aircraft acquisition?”
The CEO nodded.
“Yes.”
“Everything ready?”
“Almost.”
Her mother studied her face.
“You don't sound convinced.”
The CEO sighed.
“There's a maintenance documentation issue.”
“Serious?”
“I don't know yet.”
Her mother nodded slowly.
“Then don't pretend you do.”
The CEO smiled.
“That's exactly what Dad said.”
Her mother laughed.
“He's been telling me you're making the right decision by insisting on an inspection.”
The CEO glanced toward the technical report on her tablet.
“He thinks they'll try to rush me.”
“Will they?”
“Probably.”
Her mother became quiet.
Then said, “Remember what we taught you.”
The CEO smiled.
“Read everything.”
“And?”
“Ask questions.”
“And?”
“Don't sign anything I don't understand.”
Her mother nodded.
“Good.”
Then she grinned.
“And don't let anybody tell you that outfit makes you less qualified.”
The CEO laughed.
“I wasn't planning to.”
After the call, she stood before the mirror.
The dress was bold.
Unusual.
Unmistakable.
She knew some people would dislike it.
That didn't concern her.
She had spent years proving her competence.
She didn't need to abandon her personal style every time she entered a room controlled by older men.
But she also knew the outfit would attract attention.
And attention could reveal assumptions.
She placed the acquisition folder inside a slim black portfolio.
Checked her phone.
Then left for the hangar.
Her driver waited beside a dark luxury sedan.
As they approached the airport, she reviewed the closing checklist one final time.
The transaction required confirmation of the agreed conditions.
Certain corporate approvals.
Accurate asset schedules.
Required regulatory and contractual steps.
And satisfactory resolution or disclosure of material technical exceptions.
The buyer's funds were available.
The acquisition could proceed if the conditions were met.
But she had not agreed to waive unresolved material concerns.
Her investment committee knew that.
Her legal team supported it.