He looked up from his phone, annoyed.

The gala was the philanthropic event of the year — industry titans, surgeons, journalists, officials, gathered at a historic Manhattan venue to fund children’s hospitals and women’s shelters and scholarships.

The most anticipated guest was the reclusive head of the Kingswell Investment Group, a fund whose principals almost never appeared in public.

“There will be cameras tonight, and serious investors,” Ferdinand said, adjusting his cuffs.

“I need a woman with real presence beside me.”

Leontyne gave a dry little laugh.