CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY THREE – PLAYING NICE FOR NOW

John returned home that evening, looking exhausted as he loosened his tie. Karina tried not to let her paranoid thoughts about Sally consume her as she greeted him with a kiss. "Rough day at the office?" she asked lightly, taking his briefcase. John sighed and ran a hand through his tousled hair. "You could say that. Sally's been riding me hard about this joint partnership deal we're trying to put together." Karina felt her insides clench at the mere mention of Sally's name. She fought to keep her face neutral as John continued. "Which actually leads me to something I wanted to run by you..." He took her hands in his large, calloused ones. "Sally and I are hosting a dinner next week to woo some potential investors for the venture. A schmooze fest, if you will." Karina arched one eyebrow. "And you're telling me this because...?" A sheepish look crossed John's features. "Well, I was hoping you'd actually agree to help coordinate things. You know how much I value your skills in pull