By 10:45 a.m., they were in the car. Caroline sat in the back, Amelia beside her. Marco took the front passenger seat.
The Jakarta delegation was already waiting in the boardroom of a partner firm across town. A neutral setting, expensive but not ostentatious, all glass walls and curated flower arrangements. It was the kind of place that smelled like power.
Caroline walked in without flinching.
As introductions were made, she could feel Marco's presence at her side—not overshadowing her, but steadying her. He didn't hover. He didn't intercept. He simply stood close enough for her to feel... anchored.
The pitch began.
She spoke first. Clear. Strategic. She framed the problem in terms of insight, then shaped the solution with empathy. She didn't perform. She connected.
Then Amelia followed—bringing the heart.
Ravi added the edge—smart, well-timed media logic.
