491: Cold Guests and Colder Welcomes

In the intricate dance of commerce and alliances, the ability to read subtle cues was invaluable. The gathering at the Smirnoff estate was no exception. As the attendees arrived, they were quick to gauge the reception from the family's patriarch. A frown or a fleeting look of impatience was all it took to know that one might be treading on thin ice. For those in the business world, a misstep with the Smirnoffs could spell disaster. The tension was palpable when Emma and Clarke Zodiac met briefly, their exchange terse and strained. It was evident that Clarke Zodiac was out of favor, not just with Emma but also with Desmond, who typically maintained a cordial relationship with her. This coldness did not go unnoticed; the assembled guests quickly deduced that any association with Clarke Zodiac's enterprise could be problematic. Throughout the event, which lasted several hours, Clarke Zodiac found himself isolated after his initial interaction with Emma and Desmond. Despite his attem