Page 27 of Indigo Deception
"Mr. Bellanti," Zhang says, standing to shake my hand. "And who is this?"
"Sarah Bennett," I introduce her. "This is our new risk management specialist. She's been auditing our entire operation with fresh eyes."
Zhang's interest visibly piques. His son, however, looks unimpressed.
"Perhaps Ms. Bennett can explain why we should maintain our partnership when three other firms have offered better terms with fewer... complications," the younger Zhang says, his tone dismissive.
I watch Sarah carefully. She's nervous, but she keeps it at bay. Being nervous is bad for business. It makes you easy prey.
"Mr. Zhang," she says, leaning forward slightly, "those other firms don't have Angelo Bellanti."
Zhang's son scoffs. "One man doesn't make a company."
"No," she agrees smoothly. "But this man transformed the Bellanti portfolio from a one million dollar operation to a 3.7 billion dollarglobal enterprise in under six years. While maintaining regulatory compliance across seventeen countries with conflicting laws."
I keep my expression neutral, but I'm impressed. She's done her homework.
"The regulatory landscape in Asia is shifting dramatically," she continues, her voice confident. "Those other firms are offering better terms because they're taking shortcuts that will collapse under scrutiny within eighteen months."
She pulls out her tablet, displaying a chart I've never seen before. "This is my analysis of regulatory enforcement patterns across the Asia-Pacific markets. Notice the three-year cycle? We're entering an aggressive enforcement phase in exactly seven months."
For the next half hour, she methodically dismantles every concern the Zhangs raise.
By dessert, both men are nodding along with her recommendations, the younger Zhang actually taking notes.
As we leave, Zhang pulls me aside while Sarah walks ahead to the car. "Your Ms. Bennett is... formidable," he whispers. "Keep her close."
I watch her retreating figure. "I intend to."
—
In the car, Sarah finally relaxes, a small sigh escaping as she leans back against the leather seat. "Did that satisfy your test?"
"Beyond expectation," I admit honestly. "Where did you get that enforcement cycle data?"
Her smile falters slightly. "Research. I specialize in pattern recognition."
I study her profile in the dim light, the way her lashes cast shadows on her cheeks. She's brilliant; that much is clear. Dangerous too, in ways I'm still figuring out. And God help me, I'm drawn to both aspects.
"You're not what I expected," I tell her, my voice lower than intended.
She turns to me, a question in those dark eyes. "What did you expect?"
"Someone less... captivating."
Color rises in her cheeks. "I'm just doing my job."
"Are you?" I ask softly. "Because I'm wondering exactly what that job is, Little Auditor."
Her breath catches, but she recovers quickly. "Risk management. Nothing more."
I reach across the seat, brushing a strand of hair that's escaped her bun. She doesn't pull away. Instead, she leans into my touch ever so slightly, her eyes never leaving mine.
"I've spent my life building walls, keeping people at a distance,” I say, letting my fingers linger against her cheek. “It's how I've survived. But with you—"
I stop myself, surprised by the sudden honesty threatening to spill out. A few months ago, she was just another risk consultant I found intriguing.
Now she's becoming something else entirely—someone who sees past my carefully constructed façade, who challenges me, who makes me want to lower my guard, though I know I should raise it higher.
