Private Room

Ethan opened the folder. The contract was short. Too short. Noncompete. Confidentiality. Mandatory disclosure of outside advisory relationships. Trading pre-clearance. Information-sharing obligations under broad fund research language. Marcus did not need to know about the emails on day one. He needed a legal machine that made not telling him a breach. Ethan closed the folder. "No." Priya looked at him again. Marcus did not look angry. That was worse. "No?" "Not tonight." "That is a softer word." "It is the only one you bought with dinner." Marcus chuckled. "You are making a mistake." "Probably. I am new to expensive rooms." His phone vibrated. 4:07 had passed hours ago. Senderless email. Subject: EXIT NOW Ethan stood.