Ruelle sat rigid in her seat, her gaze flitting between Ezekiel and Hailey. She wasn't the type to seek attention, and she prayed Ezekiel wouldn't treat her differently because she was his wife's sister. But then his eyes shifted from her to Hailey.
"Miss Elliot, if you would be kind enough to join me," Ezekiel said, his voice assured. Hailey, with a mix of nerves and excitement, rose from her seat. The room was filled with curiosity, with every student—including Ruelle—wondering what this exercise was going to be about.
Ezekiel's smile was calm, almost disarming, as he turned to address the class. He said, "Today's exercise will focus on something simple but often overlooked: the way a pair greets each other in formal settings. There is always an unspoken exchange—a delicate balance of power."
