Emma stood frozen. Her heart beat like a drum in her ears. Her face didn't show it, but inside she was scrambling for a way out of this mess.
This wasn't what she expected. This wasn't what she planned.
She had hoped Zane would say a few words and sit down. Maybe surprise them a little, sure—but not this. Not throwing Baris Tevye on the table like it was a backyard resort.
That wasn't bold. That was dangerous.
And yet… he didn't flinch. Not once.
Still, she could feel it now—the hostility brewing around them like a thundercloud. Zane had stepped on the wrong toes, and these men were about to bite back.
Kelvin finally spoke, standing slowly as he pointed across the room at Zane.
"Baris Tevye?" he said aloud. "Really?"
He gave a low, forced chuckle as if still trying to convince himself this was all a joke.
"Do you know how hard it is to get a private villa there? Do you know what it means to even speak to their liaison board? I couldn't even pull it last year."
