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…

Cooper was clearly pleased with the meeting. «I must admit, Alexander William, you’ve convinced me,» he said, pushing away the empty dessert plate. «I’m ready to consider our participation in the project on the terms you proposed.»

«Glad to hear it,» Alexander smiled. «My lawyer will prepare all the necessary documents by next week.» «Excellent,» Cooper nodded and shifted his gaze to Helen.

«And to you, Helen Victoria, a special thank you for the pleasant evening. I haven’t enjoyed a business meeting like this in a long time.» Likewise George I. with sincere warmth Helen replied.

«I hope. Next time we’ll meet as four. I’d love to meet your wife.»

«Definitely,» Cooper perked up. «Theresa will like you. She appreciates smart conversationalists.»

When Cooper bid farewell, Alexander and Helen remained alone at the table. For a while, they were silent, as if not knowing how to behave with each other now that the performance was over. «You were magnificent,» Alexander finally said.

«Where did you know about the subway and residential complex from?» Helen smiled. «I didn’t know. It was improvisation.

But I thought that in a fast-developing city like New York, it’s quite likely. Plus, I noticed that Cooper is the type who hates admitting he doesn’t know something. He’d rather pretend he’s in the know than ask.»

Alexander shook his head. That was a huge risk. If he knew for sure there were no plans for a subway.

Business is always about risk, isn’t it?» Helen shrugged. «Plus, I saw he was hesitating. He wanted to say ‘yes,’ but needed an extra argument.

I provided it.» Alexander looked at her attentively. «Who are you? I mean, really? You’re clearly not just a cleaner.»

Helen thought for a moment. As if deciding whether to open up. «I have a philology degree,» she finally said.

Graduated from Moscow University, worked as a tour guide, then taught in school. When the events started, I moved to New York. But without citizenship and with a Russian diploma, finding work in my field was impossible.

So I became a cleaner. «But you clearly understand business, negotiations. You know how to behave in places like this?» «I’m observant,» Helen answered simply.

«When you clean offices, you can learn a lot. People don’t notice cleaners, they talk about important things in front of them, leave documents on desks. Plus, I read business press and am interested in economics.

As for manners. I just watch carefully how people like you behave, and remember.» Alexander nodded thoughtfully.

«You know, you could work in a higher position. With your skills and mind.» «Could,» Helen agreed.

«But for that, you need connections, recommendations, the right entry in the work record. Without that, office doors are closed.» Alexander was silent, pondering her words.

There was bitter truth in them, which he, a man who had lived in a privileged position all his life, didn’t want to acknowledge. «Well,» he finally said, «you’ve definitely earned your 200 thousand. Moreover, thanks to you, I think I’ve just closed a deal worth several hundred million dollars.

I’m glad I could help,» Helen nodded. «Maybe celebrate with another glass of champagne?» Alexander suggested. The evening is still young.

Helen looked at the clock. «I’m afraid I have to go. Early rise for work tomorrow.

Plus, our deal was for two hours, and they’ve expired.» Alexander felt unexpected disappointment. «Of course, I understand.

My driver will take you home.» «Thank you,» she stood from the table. «It was.»

«Interesting.» «Yes,» Alexander echoed. «Very interesting.»

They left the restaurant. The Mercedes was waiting at the entrance. Alexander opened the car door for Helen.

«Are you sure you don’t want to continue the evening?» he asked, lowering his voice. Helen looked at him attentively. «Alexander William, don’t confuse the role with reality.

I’m not your wife, and you’re not my husband. Tomorrow I’ll be cleaning your office again, and you won’t even notice me. That’s how the world works.»

With those words, she got into the car. Alexander closed the door and watched as the Mercedes melted into the stream of evening traffic. A strange feeling of emptiness overcame him.

It seemed something real, something important, had just flashed in his life and disappeared. He pulled out his phone and called a taxi. He had a lot to think about…