6-224: Administration Bureau Executive Conference Facility
Adler opens her mouth, and then closes it again.
She seems quite surprised by Winta’s words.
“Uh…thank you. I…”
Slightly at a loss, she resorts to habit and takes a gulp of her drink while she composes herself.
“I hate the way he uses and disregards…everything and everyone. Rules, assets, customs, allies, enemies…people’s lives.”
She nods toward, Zayaire’s date, “after tonight, it’s unlikely anyone will ever see her at a party again. He’ll use her and dump her back in whatever slum he picked her up from, with a small probability she’ll be carrying his kid.”
Lia files all of that away for later use.
She looks at Adler fully for the first time.
“I’ve decided I like you. You have brains and drive and I admire that in a woman. Also principles, which is rare at this level…-
She tilts her head and gives her a frank once over.
“If you hate him that much, do something about it. That kind of drive would be better served undermining him on a professional level. Take away his power and he has no toys to play with.”
She sips her champagne.
“Some people are nob-jockeys. Instead of seething in the dark, hide the venom behind a smile and play the game. Make him pay.”