Page 9 of Mario
“Thank you.”
“I particularly liked the risk matrix for multi-sector acquisition.”
Benjamin gives the smallest nod. That section was his.
“The licensing review was also helpful,” Lorenzo continues, turning a page. “Especially your notes on hospitality, gaming-adjacent ventures, and private security contracting.”
Ainsley’s expression does not change, but I know she is listening carefully now.
“Those areas carry different regulatory obligations,” I say. “Individually, they are manageable. Combined, they create overlap. Overlap is where companies get sloppy.”
Mario’s gaze sharpens, and I see the first real flicker on his face.
“Do you think we are sloppy, Ms. Murray?”
Lorenzo glances at him, but says nothing.
A test, then.
I fold my hands on the table.
“No.”
Mario waits.
I continue. “If you were sloppy, we would not be here.”
Benjamin’s attention shifts to me, but he knows better than to interrupt.
Mario’s face remains unreadable. “Explain.”
“Sloppy companies don’t bring in outside counsel before there is a visible problem. They react after someone has already filed a complaint, opened an investigation, leaked documents, or served a subpoena.” I hold his gaze. “You’re not reacting. You’re preparing. That makes you dangerous to your competitors, not sloppy.”
There’s a beat of silence. Then Lorenzo laughs.
Mario does not laugh.
But something in his expression changes. It’s not warmth exactly.
More like interest.
“That is a generous interpretation,” he says.
“It’s a professional one.”
“And your unprofessional interpretation?”
Ainsley shifts beside me.
I don’t look away from Mario.
“My unprofessional interpretation is that you know exactly how much attention you’re beginning to attract, and you would rather pay me now because you know it would likely be a lot more expensive later.”
There’s another beat of silence in which we observe each other.
He gives me a small nod and, without words, hands the reins back to his brother.
I like it. I like direct men in business. They save time. They also usually reveal more than they intend because they mistake honesty for dominance.
