Thank you. I have to ask one other request of you, personally, given the short notice. Firstly, because I would appreciate your real-time input concerning others who will be drawn to this function.

[ Clay pauses and looks from her eyes to her jaw to her collar. He considers how best to phrase it without pissing her away. Then decided at this point it didn’t fucking matter anymore and he’s not being vague about it because tact isn’t expected anymore, evidently. ]

Secondly, you should deign me worthy of speaking with outside of this conference room when requested. That is, if you expect me to trust more than with my change purse. And no, I will not find another partner in your company if I lose your expertise because of your flaking.