After Victor left, Mara warned Ethan, “The man asks the wrong questions for someone who truly cares about building.” Ethan shrugged and said, “Victor is aggressive because he believes in them.” Mara nodded, but she watched Ethan’s excitement swallow his caution.
Around the same time, Sloane entered Ethan’s life. She was charming, supportive, and instantly comfortable beside him in meetings. She laughed at his jokes and touched his arm when he spoke. Mara noticed how quickly Sloane treated the spotlight as something to guard.