For the next two hours—you’re my wife! He said to the cleaner, taking her on a bet for the deal, but when she spoke—the room went silent…

Sorry, I don’t know your middle name. Victoria with a smile she answered. But please, just Helen.

I think we’re all modern enough to do without excess formalities. Cooper smiled approvingly. The maitre d’ led them to the pre-booked table by the window with a view of evening New York.

The waiter immediately brought the menu and wine list. George I., allow me to recommend the chef’s signature dishes, said Alexander. Here excellent black caviar and amazing oysters.

With pleasure, Cooper nodded. I’ll trust your taste, Alexander William. Have you been to Eleven Mirrors before, George I.? Helen asked when the waiter stepped away to take the aperitif order.

No, first time, Cooper answered. I usually prefer more traditional places. For example? Helen asked with genuine interest.

The Russian Tea Room, Carbone, lately I’ve come to love Le Bernardin, Cooper replied. Oh, Le Bernardin, excellent choice, Helen perked up. Their chef does amazing things with traditional cuisine.

I still remember his stuffed zucchini with baked peppers and lentils. Cooper looked at her with respect. You know gastronomy, Helen Victoria.

It’s more of a hobby, she smiled modestly. I love cooking and am interested in new trends in culinary arts. Alexander even suffers a bit because of it, I constantly experiment on him.

And I don’t complain, Alexander picked up, surprised at how easily he played along. Helen cooks wonderfully. I envy you, Alexander William, Cooper chuckled.

My Theresa only goes to the kitchen to give instructions to the chef. The conversation flowed easily and naturally. To Alexander’s surprise, Helen behaved completely naturally, maintaining the conversation on any topic, from restaurants to the latest exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When the appetizers were served—caviar, oysters, and wild salmon tartare—Helen deftly handled the special utensils, revealing someone accustomed to such restaurants. She ate elegantly, in small portions, and Alexander suddenly caught himself admiring her. By the way, George I., she said, dabbing her lips with a napkin, Alexander mentioned you enjoy hunting.

That’s so interesting. Tell me, where have you hunted? Cooper’s face lit up. Hunting was his passion, and he eagerly launched into stories about his adventures in Africa and the Rockies.

Helen listened with genuine interest, asking precise questions that showed her sincere attention to his tales. «Do you hunt yourself?» Cooper asked. «No,» Helen shook her head.

«I can’t shoot animals. But I understand those who find pleasure in it. Especially if the hunt is by the rules, with respect for nature.»

Exactly, Cooper enthused. «A true hunter is first and foremost a protector of nature. We follow quotas.

Hunt only in permitted seasons, support reserves. I read an article about how hunting lodges help preserve populations of rare species,» Helen picked up. «Very convincing.»

Alexander watched this conversation with amazement. Helen was not just convincing in her role; she charmed Cooper, skillfully steering the conversation in the right direction and making him open up. When the main courses were brought—baked sturgeon for Helen, veal fillet for Alexander, and lamb rack for Cooper—the talk smoothly shifted to business.

«George I.,» Alexander began, «I’d like to return to our project.» «Of course,» Cooper nodded. «I carefully studied the presentation you sent.

The project is interesting, but there are a few points that bother me. For example?» Alexander tensed. «The location,» Cooper answered.

«I think the district chosen isn’t the most successful. Transportation accessibility leaves much to be desired. If I may,» Helen unexpectedly interjected, «I’d like to share my opinion.»

Alexander looked at her with concern. He hadn’t planned for her to interfere in the business part of the conversation. «Of course,» Cooper nodded encouragingly.

«A woman’s view on such things is often very useful.» George I., Helen began, carefully setting aside her utensils, I understand your concerns about transportation accessibility. But allow me to look at the situation from another angle.

This district is actively developing now. In the next two years, a new subway station is planned to open there, and a light rail line will launch. Plus, a business-class residential complex with two thousand apartments is being built nearby.

That will ensure a steady flow of solvent clients.» Alexander looked at her in amazement. Helen spoke confidently, using figures and facts that he himself had learned only last week from a closed report.

«You’re well informed,» Cooper said with respect. «I try to stay up to date on my husband’s projects,» Helen smiled. «Plus, I have a friend who works in the district administration.

She told me about the infrastructure development plans. Sometimes women’s gossip turns out more useful than official reports,» she laughed softly. Cooper laughed too.

«There’s definitely something to that. Admittedly, I didn’t know about the subway construction plans. It’s not widely advertised, but the project is already approved,» Alexander confirmed, playing along with Helen.

He had no idea if it was true, but decided to trust her. «In that case, the location does look more attractive,» Cooper said thoughtfully. The financial terms remain.

The rest of the dinner passed in discussing project details. To Alexander’s surprise, Cooper showed increasing interest, and Helen occasionally inserted comments that invariably hit the mark and strengthened Alexander’s position in the negotiations. By the time dessert was served—the signature truffle ice cream and honey cake with sea buckthorn—the mood at the table was upbeat…