Chapter 56: Whispers and Rumors

The clinking of champagne flutes and the hum of networking banter ebbed and flowed in waves around a swanky ballroom setting at the Grand Palladium Hotel. Nathan Carter graciously spared attention to the bar, sipping on a scotch while surveying Chicago's business elite milling about in front of him with cool nonchalance. Such mixers were a necessary evil in his world—an opportunity to forge connections, close deals, move markets, or advance clients over canapés and small talk. But tonight, Nathan's mind strayed elsewhere. His eyes scanned the room, not for potential clients or investors—but for a familiar face, someone who might be able to hook him up with the world he'd left behind—the world that still held Olivia Greene. Marcus Hendricks was at once summoned to his side by his thoughts. There was the ruddy face, co-relating to the energetic gallery owner flushed with champagne and excitement. "Nathan, my lad!" boomed Marcus, clapping him on the shoulder. "How's the corporate world