The atmosphere in the lounge was low-lit and meticulously quiet, the kind of space where every word carried weight. Kael Sato stood near the glass railing with a glass of oolong in hand, his tailored jacket resting untouched over the back of a leather chair. Across from him, a senior executive from a foreign tech firm was speaking — more nervously than he realized. Kael listened with half-lidded eyes, giving just enough nods to appear engaged. Then, something shifted. The man paused midsentence, glancing over Kael’s shoulder toward the entrance. “Ah,” he said, tone suddenly brighter. “That’s Eli Varen — from Virex Global. You’ve surely heard the name.” Kael did not turn. “I’ve heard the numbers,” he replied, voice smooth. “Names are often louder than the men behind them.” The man laughed, awkward. “He’s made quite the name for himself lately. Would you like to be introduced?” Kael finally looked up from his tea — not at the man, but toward the door. His gaze lingered. Measured.