In the cool, climate-controlled silence of the apartment, Serena Montgomery set the television remote down with a definitive click. An idol drama flickered on the high-definition screen, but her mind was clearly elsewhere. She looked at Liam Livingston, her expression a blend of exhaustion and lingering skepticism.
"Listen, Liam," she said, her voice dropping into a tone of weary pragmatism. "The Proprietor is a titan in Manhattan. Men like Ulysses Yates operate in a different stratosphere than people like us. I appreciate that you stood your ground at the Harbor Grand, and yes, you certainly had your moment in the spotlight, but let’s be realistic. He doesn't have time for idle chit-chat with someone... well, with someone like you. Don't let it go to your head."
Liam Livingston merely s
