The heavy doors closed behind them. Concrete walls. Low lighting. Six round tables arranged in a circle. Auctioneer stood at the center. Ledger open. Gavel resting on the wood. Thomas sat at table four. Watched the room. Didn't smile. Didn't nod. Just waited.
Alexander handed her a tablet. Screen locked. Face ID prompt. She scanned. Unlocked. Display showed account balance, Five hundred thousand, Pre-authorized. Sterling treasury line, Direct draw. No board approval needed.
"Capital is yours," he said. "You set the pace. You read the room. You make the calls. I will not speak for you. I will not bid for you. Show them you don't need my hand to hold the reins."
"I know how to bid," she said.
