he who hesitates is toast

Steve hits the perfect note of bland disinterest; Gray barely even glances at him. "Well," he says, turning back to her, "please, enjoy yourselves. Eat, drink, mingle; the auction will take place in half an hour."

He gives her a last blinding smile and heads to greet the newest arrival. She turns to 'Ryan' and nods to the cluster of guests near the bar and refreshments. Like any gathering of like-minded professionals, this event is almost as much for networking as it is for the auction itself. Pausing to take a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, she begins making the rounds, paying no attention either to Ryan or to the men like him who are scattered throughout the room.

It takes her a while to get to Kwan, but that's by design. He is by far the biggest point of interest in the room.