Intro. The crystal chandelier in the private restaurant was reflected in Ester's wine glass, which she held with an almost artistic delicacy. Across the table, Mr. Moretti, a tycoon accustomed to intimidation, spoke about "protection" and "market rates" in a hoarse, condescending voice.
Ester listened to him with a soft smile, her head slightly tilted. To any observer, she seemed like a young, overworked CEO, perhaps even intimidated by Moretti's brutish presence. She adjusted the sleeve of her white silk blazer, revealing for a second the gleam of a watch that was worth more than the lives of half the men in that room.
— Mr. Moretti — she interrupted, her voice sweet as honey, but clear as a bell. — You talk about logistics as if it were 1990. My company doesn't need "escorts". My organization... it is the way.
Moretti let out a dry laugh.
— You are polite, Ester. It's beautiful. But this world is not for women who only know how to write checks and sit