Marian let out a rich, warm laugh that echoed beautifully off the plaster walls, proving to be wonderfully grounded despite her legendary status. “Oh, don’t break your back bowing to me just yet, young man,” she chuckled. “You were just doing your job. The world outside runs on numbers.”
She pushed open a hidden panel in the walnut wall to reveal a small wet bar, pouring two glasses of deep amber liquid. She walked back over and handed one to the still-stunned real estate agent, raising her glass with a smile.
“Single malt scotch,” she said. “To the harsh reality of the real estate market.” Arthur laughed, the tension completely draining from his shoulders as he clinked his glass against hers. “Let’s toast to me being completely, undeniably wrong. Let’s write a listing the world will never forget.”