Isabella ends the meeting

"I will have to consider your proposal thoroughly. You understand, of course," she said, keeping her tone neutral.

She stood, signaling an end to their meeting. Kane rose as well, and for a moment, they were inches apart, a silent battle of wills raging in the silence.

“Thank you for your time, Madame President,” he said, nodding slightly before turning to leave. "And if you come to a decision, you can reach me through the embassy. I'm a busy man, and is seldom in town. You understand, of course."

As the doors closed behind him, Isabella exhaled, a tremor of anger—and something more, something she couldn’t, wouldn’t, put a name to—running through her.