"This is my best friend, Mia Rodriguez. She's the most amazing dancer and her dad is the best mechanic in all of Phoenix. He fixed our car and wouldn't take any money because he said kindness is more important than payment."
Victoria squeezed Ethan's arm. "She's been telling that story to everyone who will listen for the past week. You've become something of a local legend in Emma's social circle."
"Is that good or bad?"
"Definitely good. Though you might get some unexpected customers from Scottsdale now."
They were approaching their table when a familiar voice cut through the crowd noise. "Victoria, how lovely to see you here."
Richard Blackstone appeared beside them, impeccably dressed in a tailored tuxedo, his smile polished and predatory. With him was a woman in her 40s with perfectly styled red hair and the kind of jewelry that whispered rather than shouted its expense.
"Richard." Victoria's voice was ice cold. "I'm surprised you're here. I didn't realize real estate development qualified as charitable work."
"Oh, I support many causes," Blackstone replied smoothly. "Especially those that bring together influential members of the community. Speaking of which, I don't believe you've met my associate, Catherine Wells. She handles public relations for our development projects."
Catherine extended a manicured hand to Ethan. "Mr. Rodriguez, isn't it? I've heard so much about you. Such an interesting situation you find yourself in."
Before Ethan could respond, Emma piped up with the fearless directness of childhood. "Are you the mean man who's trying to steal Mr. Rodriguez's shop?"
The question rang out clearly in the sophisticated crowd, causing several nearby conversations to pause. Blackstone's smile tightened, while Catherine looked genuinely startled.
"Emma," Victoria said gently. "Perhaps we should..."
"It's a fair question," Ethan interrupted, his voice carrying clearly. "And the answer is yes, sweetheart. Mr. Blackstone wants to buy our shop so he can tear down the whole neighborhood and build expensive condos."
More conversation stopped. Blackstone's face darkened. "That's an oversimplification of a complex urban development project that would benefit the entire community."
"By forcing out everyone who currently lives there, including families who've been in that neighborhood for generations."
Victoria's executive persona was in full effect now, her voice carrying the authority that had built a tech empire.
Catherine stepped forward, clearly trying to diffuse the situation. "Perhaps this isn't the appropriate venue for business discussions."
"You're absolutely right," said a new voice from behind them, "which makes me wonder why you're here conducting them."
They turned to see David Kim, Victoria's operations director, approaching with a tablet in his hands and an expression that suggested he had news.
With him was a man Ethan didn't recognize, tall, silver-haired, wearing the kind of understated elegance that suggested old money rather than new.
"David," Victoria said, "I didn't expect to see you here."
"Change of plans," David replied, his eyes never leaving Blackstone's face. "Ms. Sterling, I'd like you to meet Judge Harrison Caldwell. He's been investigating complaints about harassment of small business owners in the Maple Street corridor."
Judge Caldwell nodded politely to Victoria, then turned his attention to Blackstone with the kind of stare that probably intimidated countless defendants. "Mr. Blackstone, we should talk privately."
"I'm not sure what this is about," Blackstone began.