DOMINIC
"Watanabe-san prefers formal address until the third meeting," I said. "He won't eat from the dessert menu. His wife is the one who makes the final decision on major partnerships — everything we say tonight goes back to her."
"What does she care about?" Elena said.
We were in the car going to the restaurant. She had her phone out, making notes.
"Legacy," I said. "The Watanabe Group has been family-run for four generations. They will not partner with anything that doesn't share that value."
"Family legacy," she repeated. "Are they aware you're married?"
"Yes."
"And that matters to them."
"Considerably. A settled personal life factors in."
She made a note.
"What shouldn't I say?" she asked.
"Don't bring up the press coverage from last month. Don't mention the Beaumont acqu
