The reaction to Bianchi's statement was gratifyingly violent and loud, as every single person around the table voiced their outrage and their own threats for retribution. Not a one of them looked repentant, thoughtful, or even slightly frightened by the current situation. It was as he expected, but far less than he had hoped. He hated the idea of reporting back that the entire contingent in this city, which his boss had held hopes of doing business with in the future, was made up of nothing but a group of petty, childish thugs who could not even stop posturing for a moment to see the overall picture.

And to be underestimating a person of his reputation and caliber, even if some of it could be honestly mistaken for mere hearsay and rumor, was just another measure of their lack of judgement.

He made a gesture to Bianchi, their agreed upon signal, while those around the table continue shouting at him, at each other, at their aides to prepare retaliatory measures.