Eleanor arrived at the Longteng Grand Hotel and was shown into the Peony Private Room.
Already a full table inside, all suits and ties, except for Vanessa Lee the only woman in the room, and the only face Eleanor recognized.
Vanessa had been the one to connect Eleanor to this deal in the first place, a major government contract, reportedly.
Eleanor wasn't about to show up unprepared. Her attire, makeup, and bearing all stayed buttoned-up formal.
By the time she arrived, Vanessa assumed everyone was present. The committee director told them to wait, he'd arranged for another group to join.
"Who else is coming? I don't know anyone else in this space."
The second Vanessa finished the sentence, the door swung open.
Julian and Cassandra walked in, straight into Eleanor's line of sight.
