A Newport councilman stepped forward with a glass of sherry.

“Holloway Holdings has taken over half the waterfront blocks since the merger.”

“I built this company on complete financial discipline,” Grant said, raising his chin.

“Every corporate deed bears my signature alone, without past encumbrances or shared liability.”

Grant checked his platinum wristwatch, sliding his thumb across the polished metal clasp.

The hands read ten forty-six.

“Are you watching for the delivery van with the ice sculptures?” Sloane asked, smoothing her lace sleeve with two fingers.

“No, I sent a courtesy invitation to someone from my early years in Cranston,” Grant said with a short laugh.