Winter our discontent (RP)

"Relax. I don’t name names. I’m not looking to get sued, or lose my seat at their table," she knew better than that "I might borrow the atmosphere. Use some of them as inspiration. There were some very vivid personalities at Claridge."

She smiled faintly when he referred to it as her "little" column. He couldn’t help himself, always chipping away at her accomplishment, no matter how meager they were compared to his. Just like his "advice" not to write about any of his friends: it wasn’t a suggestion. It was an instruction, with that little "’K?" in the end, like she needed help understanding what was expected of her.

She hadn’t missed his lack of enthusiasm over her invitation, either. If she had to guess, it was because Sinclair had invited her personally. That probably put her on equal footing with Henry. She wasn’t his date, or a plus-one. That had to sting. The idea that he wasn’t entirely in control of her anymore. That he didn’t hold the keys to that club.

If only he knew...

These men weren’t just members of the wealthy ruling class. According to Pers, a few of them were actual diabolists. If Henry understood even half of what she suspected, he might stop worrying about her invitation and start wondering how to get out.

But then again... Henry was arrogant enough to believe he could handle anything.

"I’m still not sure what I’m supposed to be doing there" she tried to put him at ease, echoing what she guessed he was thinking. "Or why I was invited at all. I’m just a nobody to them. I didn’t even make interesting conversation that night"

"You should try wearing a dress with a deep cleavage next time. Might help you impress Sinclair." She turned from the window and smiled slyly at him "He definitely has a type."

‘Kat’, who hanged at Sinclair’s side all night, was also a striking blonde, the same age as Emma. And she guessed she too wasn’t invited over to that dinner for her conversation skills either.

It was a tease, but not without purpose. It would be good for Henry to remember that other powerful men, like Sinclair, noticed her too.

"Anyway, if this retreat really is about relaxing and getting to know people, then you should be glad they invited me." She let her voice lighten "I actually know how to let my hair down and have fun"

She couldn't help but giggle at Henry's attempt at humor.
"Honestly? You don't need a dress. Just surround yourself with gorgeous young blondes, and Sinclair will keep sniffing around."

Outside, the taxi turned onto the street leading to Covent Garden, its tires splashing through the deep puddles as they approached the parking garage. "We should hit Joules first. I think they’ll have everything we need" Emma was already thinking about her next shopping spree