(Juliette's POV)
Arthur Crane was already waving at me from across the banquet room when I spotted him.
I crossed the floor to meet him. He looked the way he always did - steady, unhurried, the kind of man who'd spent thirty years in boardrooms and wore it comfortably.
"Juliette." He smiled and lowered his voice. "Before we go in, a word about Evan Mercer. The man has a problem with alcohol. He gets unpredictable when he's had too much." He patted my arm lightly. "Don't worry. I'll run interference. Just focus on the numbers and let me handle him."
I felt something loosen in my chest. I was glad he was there.
"Thank you," I said. "I appreciate that."
We walked together into the private dining room.
Evan Mercer was already seated. He stood when we entered, and his eyes went straight
