Chapter 2 - THE FIRST CORRECTION
“I apologize, Mr. Pierce,” Cassidy said, “but our remaining bottles of the 1982 Cheval Blanc were purchased last week by a private collector.”
Dominic’s jaw tightened.
Cassidy continued before he could react.
“If you’re looking for similar depth and structure, I would recommend the 1990 Château Margaux. It’s drinking beautifully tonight.”
Dominic stared at her.
He disliked being corrected.
More than that, he disliked that she had given him no emotional reaction to attack.
Victor lifted one eyebrow.
“The Margaux is excellent.”
He looked at Dominic.
“Bring it.”
A faint flush climbed Dominic’s neck.
“Fine.”
Then, to Cassidy:
“And don’t dawdle.”
“Of course.”
She walked away.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Natalia turn toward Victor.
They exchanged a look.
Small.
Amused.
Dominic missed it.
Cassidy didn’t.
When she returned with the wine, the conversation had shifted to the European logistics agreement.
Dominic wanted privileged access to ports, warehousing and rail capacity controlled by Victor’s conglomerate.
The deal was worth hundreds of millions.
Dominic spoke confidently.
Victor asked careful questions.
Natalia asked better ones.
Then Victor and Natalia switched into Russian.
Fast.
Natural.
Dominic listened closely.
He had clearly studied.
His comprehension was decent.
His accent was rigid.
Cassidy poured without appearing to notice.
Then Dominic entered the Russian conversation.
His grammar was competent.
His rhythm wasn’t.
He sounded like an ambitious student who had memorized the right sentences but never lived inside the language.
Victor answered politely.
Natalia did not.
Cassidy stepped back.
That should have been the end of it.
Then Dominic picked up the menu.
Dropped it loudly onto the table.
“You know,” he said in English, “the real problem with the American workforce is that nobody has ambition anymore.”
Victor looked at him.
Dominic continued.
“They peak at eighteen and spend the rest of their lives carrying plates for people who actually accomplished something.”
Cassidy felt his eyes turn toward her.
There it was.
His wounded ego had found a target.
Then Dominic switched into Russian.
“Look at her.”
Victor’s expression changed.
Dominic smiled.
“Empty eyes. Empty head. I’d bet tying that apron is the intellectual high point of her day.”
Natalia lowered her wine glass.
Cassidy remained perfectly still.
Dominic leaned back.
“I’ll order in Russian.”
He smiled at his guests.
“Let’s see whether she stands there like a frightened animal.”
May you like
Cassidy lowered the silver tray slightly.
And waited for him to finish.
