As he moved her along to another small group, however, he commented approvingly, "That was well-said. Sunil has been trying to get Sridhar to think about training differently. It is good that you are reinforcing his wishes."

Of course, this had been simple luck. She would have to be more careful with the next conversation. But the Thakur opened with complimenting her, and as she was left to speak with the lead attorney for the deal, he went himself to refill her glass. Serving her was entirely for show. She suppressed a shudder as she accepted the glass and his fingers lingered on hers. She caught Sunil's eyes from across the crowd and he gave a little half-smile and shrug.