Which tracked for someone whose primary mode of existence involved refusing to conform to societal expectations like punctuality.

"So." Chloe turned to Brooke, her business voice engaging. "Jordan mentioned you’ve already started organizing the Nova Network financials. What’s your assessment?"

Brooke straightened, the familiar territory of analysis providing solid ground beneath her feet.

"Your current record-keeping is functional but inefficient. Transaction documentation exists in multiple formats across various platforms, creating redundancy and potential for error. I’ve developed a consolidated system that centralizes all financial data into a single accessible framework while maintaining appropriate security protocols and backup redundancies."

Chloe’s eyebrows rose.

"You did all that since yesterday?"

"I had difficulty sleeping."

"Because of anxiety about this dinner?"

"Partially. But also because optimizing systems is intellectually stimulating, and once I began identifying inefficiencies, I found it difficult to stop until I had addressed them comprehensively."

Kumiko leaned against Brooke’s shoulder.

"You’re so cool."

Brooke went rigid.

"I. What?"

"You couldn’t sleep because organizing spreadsheets was too exciting!" Kumiko’s eyes sparkled. "That’s adorable! I couldn’t sleep last night either because I was choosing my outfit, but that’s way less impressive than creating financial frameworks!"

"I don’t think adorable is the appropriate descriptor for—"

"It is!" Kumiko grabbed Brooke’s arm. "Jordan-kun! Isn’t Brooke-chan adorable?"

Jordan watched Brooke’s face cycle through several colors.

"She’s something."

"That’s not an answer!"

"It’s the only answer you’re getting."

The sliding screen opened again.

Lila Martinez stood in the doorway.

She wore a black corset top that pushed her chest up and out in ways that defied both gravity and good taste, paired with a short pleated skirt in dark purple that barely covered the essential geography. Fishnet stockings ran from her platform boots to wherever they disappeared beneath the skirt’s hem, and multiple chains hung from her belt loops and collar. Her short black hair with its electric purple streak was deliberately disheveled, and her makeup featured sharp winged eyeliner and black lipstick that made her look like she had stepped out of a music video for a band that only performed in abandoned warehouses.

"This Uber driver was an absolute menace." She dropped into the booth beside Kumiko. "He tried to make conversation. For twenty-three minutes. About his dog." She shuddered dramatically. "I know everything about a Pomeranian named Mr. Whiskers now. I didn’t consent to that information."

"Lila-chan!" Kumiko released Brooke to tackle Lila instead. "You made it!"

"Barely." Lila endured the hug with the patience of someone who had long since accepted their fate. "My car is still dead. The mechanic said something about the alternator, which I’m pretty sure he made up to justify charging me four hundred dollars."

"That’s a real part." Brooke’s voice was quiet. "The alternator converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy for the car’s battery and systems. Failure would result in progressive loss of electrical function, including the starter motor."

Lila turned to look at Brooke.

Really looked.

Her eyes traveled from Brooke’s crimson irises down to her throat, lingered on the substantial curve of her chest beneath the buttoned blouse, then returned to her face with naked appreciation.

"Who are you?"

"Brooke Hastings. I’m the accountant for Nova Network."

"An accountant." Lila’s black lips curved. "With red eyes and that figure. Sure. And I’m a princess from Monaco."

"I don’t understand the comparison."

"She’s saying you don’t look like an accountant," Chloe translated. "She’s also hitting on you, which I’m going to ask her to stop doing because you’re clearly uncomfortable."

"I’m always uncomfortable. It’s my default state."

"Mood." Lila grabbed a menu. "I like her. She’s weird."

"Thank you? I think?"

Jordan watched the four women arrange themselves around the table, each occupying their own space while somehow forming a cohesive whole. Chloe sat composed and watchful, the den mother who kept everyone from imploding. Kumiko vibrated with barely contained energy, her attention bouncing between Brooke and Lila and the menu with hummingbird speed. Lila sprawled across her section of the booth with the casual disregard of someone who expected the world to accommodate her. Brooke hunched in her corner, gradually relaxing as she realized no one was going to attack her.

Four beautiful women.

One table.

Zero logical explanation for how this had become his life.

The server returned with their drinks, his professionalism tested by the sight that greeted him. Jordan ordered for the table, a selection of premium beef cuts and pork belly and sides that would feed an army. Kumiko added dessert to the order before anyone could stop her. Lila requested an extra bottle of soju. Brooke asked for more water.

"So." Lila leaned forward, her chains jingling against the table. "We’re all here because Jordan apparently decided to start a streaming empire and needed minions. Cool. What’s the actual plan?"

Chloe pulled out her phone.

"I have a presentation."

"Of course you do."

"It’s comprehensive."

"I would expect nothing less from you, blue-hair."

Jordan watched Chloe’s eye twitch.

"My name is Chloe."

"I know." Lila grinned. "Blue-hair is more fun."

"Lila-chan, be nice." Kumiko tugged at Lila’s sleeve. "Chloe-chan worked really hard on the presentation. She showed me slides and everything."

"Slides." Lila’s tone suggested she had been asked to review a PowerPoint presentation about paint drying. "Thrilling."

"It has graphs."

"Even better."

Chloe’s jaw tightened.

Jordan intervened before blood could be spilled.

"We can discuss business after we eat. Tonight is about getting to know each other." He raised his beer. "To Nova Network."

Kumiko’s glass met his immediately.

"To Nova Network!"

Chloe joined with a controlled smile.

Lila rolled her eyes but participated.

Brooke stared at her water glass for three seconds before raising it with mechanical precision.

"To Nova Network."

The glasses clinked together over the unlit grill, five people bound by circumstance and opportunity and whatever strange gravity had pulled them into Jordan’s orbit over the past three weeks.

"Now." Lila grabbed the tongs. "Someone light this thing so I can eat. I’m starving and this corset is already cutting off circulation to vital organs."

"That’s concerning." Brooke’s tone suggested genuine medical worry.

"It’s fashion."

"Fashion should not impede respiratory function."

"Clearly you’ve never worn heels."