"The operation," Jenna repeated, unable to keep a hint of bitterness from her voice. "Always the operation."
As she moved toward her bedroom, she paused beside Michelle. "For what it's worth," she said softly, "I'm worried about you too. Not just the captain. Not just the operation. You."
She didn't wait for a response, continuing to her room with measured steps. Behind her, she felt the weight of Michelle's gaze like a physical touch, full of unspoken complications neither was ready to fully address.
Sienna Castillo's hillside home outshone even PWC headquarters in opulence. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered commanding views of Phoenix Ridge. Original artwork—all by female artists—adorned walls clearly designed to impress and intimidate.
Jenna accepted a flute of champagne, using the moment to scan the gathering. The PWC inner circle was present in full force: Sienna in the spotlight near the fireplace, Alina discussing something intensely with board members, Nicole chatting with donors by the grand piano.
Most importantly, Mina Salgato stood alone at the windows, her slender figure silhouetted against the panoramic view. Mid-thirties, Brazilian heritage according to her file, with a Masters in supply chain management that made her the perfect logistics coordinator for both legitimate PWC operations and their smuggling activities.
Jenna caught Michelle's eye across the room with a subtle nod before moving toward her target.
"The view's breathtaking, isn't it?" Jenna said, joining Mina at the window.
Mina turned, eyebrows rising slightly as she took in Jenna's sleek black cocktail dress. "Nothing about this view becomes ordinary," she replied, her slight accent caressing the words. "I'm Mina Salgato."
"Jenna Wolfe." She extended her hand. "New member, though I suspect you already know that."
Mina’s handshake lingered a moment longer than necessary. "Your transition from corporate America has created quite the buzz."
"All good, I hope?" Jenna asked, allowing warmth to enter her smile.
"Impressive, certainly. Not everyone walks away from corporate security to build something meaningful."
Jenna felt Michelle's gaze but kept her focus on Mina. "Security without purpose becomes a gilded cage. Michelle recognized that before I did."
"And yet you're the one mingling while your partner keeps to herself." Mina nodded toward Michelle, who was engaged in conversation with Sienna. "Different social strategies?"
Jenna leaned slightly closer, lowering her voice. "Between us, she's still adjusting to social circles where women actually support each other rather than competing. Corporate trauma runs deep."
The calculated intimacy worked; Mina shifted closer. "I understand completely. Before PWC, I managed international shipping for a corporation where my male colleagues took credit for my logistical innovations regularly."
"Is that why you oversee PWC's international programs now? Taking back your power?"
Pride flashed across Mina's face. "Exactly. I've built a distribution network that operates with remarkable efficiency despite limited resources."
"The logistics must be incredibly complex, especially with customs regulations."
"The key is reliable partners and precise timing," Mina explained. "For instance, our next shipment arrives Saturday at midnight—perfect timing because weekend customs staffing is minimal."
Jenna nodded encouragingly, careful not to appear too interested in this critical information. "Smart scheduling. Do you handle the warehouse operations, too, or just transportation?"
"Both. We maintain a secure facility near the port with restricted access protocols. Only four key cards exist for the high-security areas." She smiled, tapping her clutch purse. "Mine being one of them."
"That level of security speaks to how valuable PWC's work is," Jenna observed, steering the conversation away from operational details.
Mina took a step closer, her expensive perfume with notes of sandalwood enveloping Jenna's senses. "Perhaps I could show you sometime. The warehouse operations themselves are quite elegant in design."
"I'd like that." Jenna maintained the delicate balance between interested and eager. From her peripheral vision, shenoted Kendall watching with narrowed eyes. "Though I imagine access is tightly controlled."
"Exceptions can be made…for the right people."
The deliberate flirtation in her tone was unmistakable. Jenna allowed herself to blush slightly. "I'm flattered you might consider me among them."
"Your background suggests you understand discretion," Mina commented, her gaze more assessing. "Your technical expertise would be valuable to our operations. Youdidoversee IT security at GreenTech, correct?"
The question held a trap. Kendall had clearly been sharing her suspicions with Mina.
