That evening, Jenny and Eliot put their heads together. Although a huge scandal had erupted in the company, it was a tremendous boon for the two of them—master and apprentice. While they couldn't celebrate openly, they invited colleagues and subordinates from all levels of their new positions to a small restaurant near the company for a meal. No matter what had happened before, over drinks and conversation at the table, they could shorten distances and build team cohesion for the work ahead.
The venue was a small restaurant, less formal, but the fare was seafood delicacies—nothing to be ashamed of, and not likely to invite gossip. Jenny didn't put on airs as an editor; she sat with the female colleagues and assistants, while Eliot, Bard, and Elton were seated together. They didn't invite Mr. Densite, as he was busy working for the boss.
Eliot noted from this arrangement that Jenny handled interpersonal relations with ease. Yet she wasn't as obsessed with smoothness as Clare; she didn't stand out, but sat in a corner quietly looking after the timid clerks and typists.
At the restaurant, Eliot raised his glass and addressed the room of subordinates with emotion: he had many flaws, which had cost him in the past. From now on, if anything came up at work, it was best to speak directly and rely on their skills as much as possible.
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