Victoria let out a soft, melodious laugh from behind Julian's shoulder. "Face reality, Maya. Look at you. You're emotional, unprepared, and completely out of your depth. Julian needs a partner who understands high society, not a crying liability."
Maya clutched her handbag tightly, taking a unsteady step backward. The humiliation was heavy, suffocating her chest as hotel patrons glanced over while entering the lobby.
Before Julian could deliver his next dismissive directive, a heavy, mechanical hum echoed from the curb.
Chapter 2: The Black SUV
A massive, midnight-black Lincoln Navigator with dark privacy tint glided smoothly to the curb directly in front of the trio. The engine hummed with a quiet, authoritative rumble as it came to a stop.
Julian frowned, turning his head sharply toward the vehicle. "Who is this? I told the valet to bring my car."
The rear door of the black Navigator swung open with a heavy, deliberate click.
A woman stepped out onto the Fifth Avenue pavement.
She was in her late fifties, impeccably styled, wearing a sharp, tailored beige skirt suit with gold buttons, holding a heavy black leather document folder beneath her arm. Her short brown hair was sculpted into an