Herman adjusted his cuff, leaning forward slightly, clearing his throat before speaking.
"Mr. Ashford, as I was saying, our company has been strategizing expansion, particularly in tech-based logistics."
Kian barely acknowledged him, fingers tracing the rim of his glass absentmindedly, gaze settled somewhere past the discussion rather than within it.
"We want Ashford Industries' insight—your expertise could elevate our network. Do you think this proposition is strong enough?"
Kian exhaled lightly, finally looking up.
But his response? Flat. Uninterested.
"I'll think about it."
Herman nodded eagerly. "That's all we ask!"
And then—the conversation shifted.
Subtle. Calculated. Deliberate.
"And of course, Aviana here is quite keen on leadership herself."
Kian didn't react.
Herman continued.
"It would be invaluable if she had someone to mentor her. Someone experienced. Someone with real insight into the industry."
His smile was too polished.
Aviana straightened slightly, her presence effortlessly sliding into the moment.
She tilted her head just so, fingers grazing the stem of her wine glass.
"I admire your approach, Mr. Ashford. Your discipline is rare."
Kian finally met her gaze—not with curiosity, not with intrigue, but with unwavering indifference.
Then—calm, clipped, final.
"I am not a teacher."
Aviana held the gaze a beat longer than necessary.
Herman chuckled awkwardly, adjusting his suit jacket. "Well, that's unfortunate—"
Kian cut him off.
"I have to go."
No pleasantries.
No excuses.
Just absolute dismissal.
He rose, smoothing his cuff, barely sparing them another glance.
And Aviana?
She watched him go.
Because to her—this wasn't defeat.
It was simply a game in progress.