Golf tans.
Good watches.
The smell of aftershave and confidence.
Leonard brightened instantly, the way certain men only brighten for other men who validate their place in the world.
He strode toward them with both hands out.
“Gentlemen!”
Back slaps.
Firm handshakes.
Inside jokes about a golf course.
One story about a missed putt that somehow became important enough to interrupt a two-billion-dollar meeting.
Olivia sat there for three full minutes without introduction.
When Leonard finally remembered she existed, he waved vaguely toward her.
“This is Olivia,” he said. “She’s here to talk about our diversity initiatives.”
Not Ms. Johnson.
Not our potential investor.
Not the woman holding more money than everyone in this room combined had ever personally touched.
Just Olivia.
A first name and an assumption.
One of the executives, James Stewart, leaned toward the man beside him and whispered just loud enough to be heard.
“Diversity quota visit,” he muttered. “Smile and lunch will come faster.”
Several men gave that same weak laugh men use when they want credit for not being the one who said it.
Olivia wrote another note.
James noticed.
He looked away.
“Maybe you’d like to share your story,” Leonard said to Olivia, leaning on the table. “I’m sure the group would love to hear about your journey.”
It was dressed up like interest.
It was really a command.
Tell us the inspirational version of yourself.
Be useful in a way that entertains us.
Olivia looked at him.
“I’d rather discuss your market position,” she said. “Your growth projections assume near-perfect client retention in a highly competitive sector. What supports that assumption?”
Leonard laughed through his nose.
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