"The year is young, isn't it," he conceded, resting his chin heavily in his hand and taking a moment to decide which of his colleagues could most likely be a embittered servant of the Dark Lord in disguise. He let himself smile at a few of the less likely options - and then at her, when he looked up with a skeptical expression after she had made her move.
"Yes - I must say, you're preferable - very much preferable - to the last best-selling author we had on board." He did not retreat, pushing another pawn forward to reinforce his position. "And I don't mean to drag you all the way up here all of the time, of course. If you think you'll have a better chance if we place elsewhere, I'll be happy to let you give it a try." And with that he poured himself another half a glass of wine, somehow managing to do so smugly.