Nick kept it brief on the phone, stressing the importance of attending the cocktail party and awaiting further instructions from him.

I didn’t press for details and assured him I’d be there. Nick was clearly using this party to arrange a meeting with Atlas.

Sure enough, I spotted Nick at the reception, with Stella by his side. He was introducing her to other high-level executives from different companies.

After all, Nick was the head honcho of the Torado headquarters, so his presence was expe