The evening continued without further incident. David disappeared as mysteriously as he had arrived. The Davies team departed shortly after eleven, with Samuel promising to call the next day to discuss the "adjusted terms" Isabella had proposed.
By midnight, the last guests were leaving. Isabella stood at the entrance, bidding farewell to the Japanese fashion designer who had flown in specifically for the event. When the doors finally closed, she allowed her shoulders to drop, the weight of the evening settling over her.
"Everything alright?" Liam asked, approaching with two glasses of scotch.
Isabella accepted one gratefully. "Just tired. These events take more out of me than board meetings."
Liam studied her face. "It wasn't just the event. Something happened when that man approached you."
Isabella tensed slightly. "Just an unwelcome guest," she said finally.
