[ Ah, men. Expected. For now, she leans into his attentions however they may keep him soothed. His aggression won't do at a public party, and too much paranoia won't serve her unless she can turn it around on him. Friendship, then. Her distance is kept, and her eyes are on him with rapt attention, but she keeps note of his empty glass. Anything of his may serve her in the future...

Though she shakes her head, her smile teases and her voice is low. Coyness is something she knows. It hasn't been that long since she's enforced social niceties. It's just so rare that she puts in the effort when the stakes aren't personal. That's why it's important to remember that despite all the strange faces surrounding her, one of them she must know, and so this is personal. ]

Not a girl at all, sir. [ Still teasing. ] Vanessa Ives.

[ In this case, his busy hands suit her just fine. Freed from being expected to offer hers in introduction, she'll opt for another nod, and the barest dip of her knees in what could almost be considered a curtsy if one doesn't blink. Remarkable what she can suffer to reach her goals. ]

I wished to offer you my utmost appreciation for sharing your good fortune with so many. I must confess that I felt quite lost before tonight. I wonder how many other souls you saved from listlessness? We all need a purpose.