They sat.
Because refusing would show weakness.
Because leaving would mean losing.
Wine glasses untouched.
Tension thick.
Director leaned back slightly in his chair.
"You're faster than I expected," he said to Alexander.
"Most people take longer to understand what's happening."
Alexander's voice was calm.
"You're not most people."
Director tilted his head.
"Neither are you."
Silence.
Then Director turned to Emily.
"You changed his pattern."
Emily didn't respond immediately.
Then:
"Good."
That amused him.
"You're not afraid."
Emily held his gaze.
"I am. I just don't show it."
Director smiled again.
"That makes you useful."
Alexander's voice cut in.
"She's not part of this."
Director looked at him.
"Everything about her is part of this."
A pause.
Then—
He leaned forward slightly.
"You made one mistake, Alexander."
The room went still.
"You gave yourself something to lose."