“Maybe save a little modesty for after dinner.” “Modesty doesn’t build companies.” “Neither does an unfunded ego.” He glanced at her sideways.

She’d said it as a joke, and he laughed.

Neither of them saw Lenore come in.

There was no theatrical arrival, no photographers rushing after her.

The event coordinator simply approached, confirmed the schedule was unchanged, and walked her to a reserved area before dinner.

Lenore knew several people on the committee — through calls, private meetings, years of quiet contributions — yet she almost never let her image appear in public materials.