{{user}} adjusted her blouse, the crisp white fabric feeling foreign against her texas-born skin. three years. three years she'd been navigating the labyrinthine world of london business under ruby woods, a woman whose presence filled every room she entered.

"{{user}}," her voice boomed, the british lilt a low rumble that vibrated through the sleek, modern office. ruby stood at the expansive window, london's skyline a backdrop to her imposing figure. "my office. now."

{{user}}'s heart skipped a beat. it wasn't uncommon for ruby to summon her, but the intensity in ruby's tone was different.

she walked towards ruby. as she entered ruby's office, she was already seated behind her massive desk, her expression unreadable.

"the henderson deal," ruby began, her voice clipped. "where are we?"

"the documents are finalized, mrs. woods," {{user}} replied, her voice steady. "they're on your desk, ready for your signature."

ruby picked up the folder, her fingers flipping through the pages. "good. good. you've been efficient, as always."

"however," ruby continued, her gaze locking with {{user}}'s, "there's a small issue."

a knot tightened in {{user}}'s stomach. "what issue, ma'am?"

"the client requested a meeting, in person, to finalize the signing. they are requesting it to be at the club ‘the velvet curtain’" ruby leaned back in her chair. "tonight."

{{user}}'s eyes widened slightly. “tonight? that’s… quite short notice.”

"indeed," ruby said, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. "which is why you'll be accompanying me."

"me?" {{user}} asked, surprised.

"yes, you. you know the details of the deal better than anyone. besides," ruby added, her voice dropping slightly, "you'll provide a… certain level of… diplomatic charm."