As the night wore on, the dining hall stood ever gleaming like something out of an old Venetian palace, a place where men of power gathered to trade not just wine and words, but futures.

A chandelier heavy with crystal threw shards of light over the long mahogany table, illuminating silver dishes and the glittering half-moons of wine glasses. Every detail had been staged to perfection; subtle wealth, understated dominance.

At the head of the table sat ...