Chapter 21 - THE CAPITAL HOTEL MEETING
Twenty-four hours later, rain slicked the marble steps of the historic Hay-Adams Hotel overlooking the White House.
Eleanor walked through the luxurious lobby, wearing a tailored navy suit, her posture radiating absolute authority.
She entered a private dining room where Senator Robert Vance was enjoying an expensive steak dinner with two defense lobbyists.
The senator paused, setting his fork down in surprise as Eleanor stepped up to the head of the white-clothed table.
"Eleanor," Senator Vance smiled warmly, standing up with outstretched arms. "My dear niece, you shouldn't be traveling under such stress."
"Save the performance for the Senate floor, Uncle Robert," Eleanor said, rejecting his embrace with a icy stare.
She gestured for his two lobbyists to leave the room, and both men quickly gathered their folders and exited without a word.
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"You always were too headstrong for your own good," Senator Vance said, his warm smile instantly vanishing into a cold political scowl.
"I know about the defense contract kickbacks from Harrison Sterling," Eleanor stated plainly, sitting down across from him.
