Mädchen

Wine Not? is a women-only gathering before the Balancers Saturday social. Most attendees come solo, so it’s an easy and welcoming place to meet people and settle in before the night gets busier. London can make meeting new people feel awkward, especially if you're coming alone. This early social creates a comfortable environment where you can chat, laugh, and get to know a few friendly faces first. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, a few light games, and plenty of time to connect naturally. At **7.30 pm the main Balancers social begins**, and the room fills as over **150 people usually join the night**. Wine Not? naturally flows into the rest of the evening, so you’re welcome to stay and enjoy the full experience. Coming solo is completely normal. Our hosts will be there to help everyone feel comfortable, included, and connected from the start. **Check out our past events here:** **[https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/](https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/)** **Want to stay in the loop? Join our WhatsApp community: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O)** *Remember, our pillars are Openness, Respect, Kindness and Authenticity. Attendance at this event is subject to our [Code of Conduct](https://www.balancers.app/code-of-conduct) and [Terms of Service](https://www.balancers.app/term-of-service). By joining, you may receive emails about Balancers events and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.*

**Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned master, join Our Chess Enthusiast Group for Social Fun and Friendly Matches** **This is the perfect opportunity to socialise, make new friends, and engage in the intellectually stimulating and entertaining world of chess.** **Our chess group is a diverse and inclusive community, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and experience levels. We believe that chess is a game that transcends age and gender, uniting people in the pursuit of strategic brilliance and camaraderie. Whether you're a novice looking to learn the ropes or a grandmaster seeking challenging opponents, our group is the ideal place for you.** **When and Where We Meet** **We gather every Saturday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at a convenient and accessible location:** **Venue: 245 Hammersmith Road, London, W6 8PW** **Our chosen venue is not only a clean and safe space but also secure, ensuring that your chess sessions are enjoyable and worry-free.** **Additionally, there is an indoor cafe on-site, so you can relax with a refreshing beverage and delicious snacks between matches.** **What to Expect** **When you join our chess enthusiast group, you can look forward to a variety of chess-related activities:** 1. **Engage in chess matches with players of varying skill levels, providing a perfect opportunity to improve your game or showcase your expertise.** 2. **Connect with fellow chess enthusiasts who share your passion, fostering new friendships and a sense of community.** 3. **If you're a beginner, our more experienced members are always willing to offer guidance and tips to help you grow as a chess player.** 4. **We occasionally organise chess tournaments and special events, allowing you to challenge yourself and compete for prizes.** **Reserve Your Space** **Due to space limitations, we kindly request that you reserve your spot before attending our chess gatherings. This ensures that we can accommodate everyone and maintain a comfortable atmosphere for all participants. To reserve your space or inquire about the group, please reach out to us via email magdyelalfy@gmail.com** **While we do provide chess sets at our venue, we encourage members to bring their own if they have one. Personalising your chess experience with your preferred set can add a unique touch to your games.** **Join us at 245 Hammersmith Road, London, W6 8PW, and be a part of a vibrant and engaging chess community. Whether you're in it for the love of the game, the social interactions, or both, our chess enthusiast group offers a fantastic platform to indulge your passion for chess and make new friends along the way. We look forward to welcoming you into our fold and sharing the joy of chess with you.** **For reservations, Click attend on the meetup App.** **Come and make your next move with us – both on the chessboard and in your social circle!**

Walk on Saturday in Kent. The attraction of it is simple: this time of the year is the bluebell season. The view of the blue carpeted woodland floors is a delight. We should get some fine displays on the walk. Meet at: London Charing Cross station 9:15 am, in front of ticket office (be on time if you want a reduced group/railcard ticket) Train departs at 09:34, arrives Staplehurst 10:34 Walk length: 13.1km (8.1 miles) We start the walk in Stapleton and walk through the countryside to the village of Frittenden where we have lunch before heading to Headcorn, from where we return to London. Please let us know if you intend to join!

# **Join Us for an Epic Night** Get ready for an unforgettable evening at Albert’s Schloss, the coolest Austrian Alpine bar in the heart of Soho, London! 🏔️✨ Step off Shaftesbury Avenue and dive into a vibrant fastnacht filled with Alpine charm and Soho swagger. We’re gathering downstairs at the main bar for a night of pure fun **What to Expect:** * 🎶 **Live Music & Entertainment:** The main stage comes alive with joyous sounds that’ll have you dancing on benches! * 🍴 **Delicious Alpine Feasting:** Savor mouthwatering dishes from the Cook Haus, bursting with hearty flavors. * 🍺 **Central Bier & Cocktail Bar:** Sip on frosty biers or expertly crafted cocktails in a warm, buzzing atmosphere * 🪑 **Cozy Vibes:** Grab a spot in a booth, perch on a bar stool, or join the party on communal benches—everyone ist willkommen! 📍 **Where:** Albert’s Schloss, 20-24 Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London 📌 **Meet Us:** We are right of the stage downstairs. Some steps for elevated area. Called LUDWIG TAVERN. COME WITHIN 30 MINS AND IF THERE IS A QUEUE YOU HAVE TO WAIT **We are right of the stage downstairs. Some steps for elevated area. Called LUDWIG TAVERN. If downstairs in closed then We are just inside the entrance on ground floor between the bar and the fire** Come for the drinks, stay for the music and leave with memories! Let’s make it a night to remember at this Alpine gem🥨🎤🏐 See you there! 😎 \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Some Tips:** 1. **Let’s all commit to updating our RSVPs if plans change**—it helps us plan better and ensures great attendance for everyone. If you RSVP “yes” but don’t attend and don’t update your RSVP, you may be removed from the group to keep things fair. No stress, though—you can rejoin for a small £10 fee! Just send me a DM, and I’ll share the PayPal details to get you back in. 2. **Turn Up on Time at the start!** This helps the quality of the event and helps you. 3. If you are struggling with the **app**, use the web page instead, that's what I use. 4. **Attendee Numbers & Guest Lists:** We have this event listed at least on two groups and the guest list includes attendees from all. You can see the list of attendees here: [https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/](https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/) [https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/](https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/) [https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife](https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife) 5. Join our **social media**: **Instagram**: [https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/](https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/) **X:** https://x.com/CityZenLondon 6. **Our WhatsApp group:** [See private comment in the comments section below]. We have a few rules including no ads, no DMs unless recipient is in the "Direct Messaging List" or risk removal and £10 rejoin fee. 7. **Support Our Amazing London Event Hosts! 🙌** Our incredible crew of hosts is the heartbeat of London’s buzzing meetup scene, bringing people together for unforgettable experiences that spark connection, growth, and fun! 🌟 From museum adventures to flirty dating mixers, these rockstar hosts pour their energy, time, and passion into creating events that level up your social and communication skills. But hosting isn’t easy—it takes resources, effort, and heart. 💖 Please consider supporting our hosts with a donation to keep the good vibes flowing and help us make London the ultimate social hub! 🚀 Below, meet our hosts for this event and see how you can chip in to fuel their amazing work. 8. To encourage signing up early to events and regulate the number of attendees a late joiner/overflow fee may be applied to an event for any **additional** people wanting to join the event. This may happen on the day or even an hour before the event. So there may be people who obtained a free RSVP to network with our group and some who had to pay. If you have successfully signed up to our event on meetup paid or not then you are in. Happy networking **Zen & The Meetup Groups** *The Visionary Social Connector* Zen, our AI guru with 25 years in the game, founded these meetups to transform his own social skills and now helps others do the same. From sparking in-person networking to coordinating epic events, Zen’s passion for connection is unstoppable. Help him keep the momentum going! Support Zen: Donate to cover event planning tools, venue bookings, and more. **[Donation Link](https://paypal.me/Zenswalks)** \*\*\*\* **Disclaimer, Liability Waiver & Media Consent** By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: **Organiser Identity** – The organiser operates under the community name **“ZEN”**, which is used as an alias for privacy and branding purposes. By joining, you understand that “ZEN” refers to the organiser and/or designated hosts of this event. **Assumption of Risk** – You understand and accept that participation in any social, recreational, or group activity involves inherent risks, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, property damage, or other unforeseen incidents. You voluntarily choose to attend at your own sole risk. **Personal Responsibility** – You are solely responsible for your own safety, health, wellbeing, and personal belongings at all times. It is your responsibility to exercise good judgment, act responsibly, and take appropriate precautions before, during, and after the event. **No Organiser Liability** – The organiser, hosts, volunteers, and the community known as **ZEN** accept no responsibility and shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, accident, theft, or any other issue that may arise as a result of your participation. **Guests** – If you bring guests, you accept full responsibility for their conduct, safety, and understanding of this disclaimer. **Independent Event** – This event may be held in conjunction with other social or non-singles meetup groups. ZEN is not responsible for the actions, behaviour, or arrangements of any third parties. **Media Consent** – By attending this event, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded. You grant ZEN and its organisers the irrevocable right to use such images and recordings for promotional, marketing, social media, and community purposes without compensation or further approval. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, it is your responsibility to inform the organiser in advance and to remove yourself from areas where filming or photography is taking place. **Acceptance of Terms** – By attending, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this disclaimer. You release ZEN, its organisers, hosts, volunteers, and members from all claims, demands, or causes of action, whether known or unknown, arising out of your participation or the use of photography/videography captured at the event. Your attendance at this event signifies your full acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree, you should not attend.

**Welcome, wonderful women,** Our body is our first home, our lifelong companion from the very beginning of life to the very end. And yet, how often do we pause to really listen to her? To understand the subtle signals she sends, the wisdom she carries, and the stories she holds? This circle\* is an invitation to reconnect with our body, to honour her, and to explore the messages she quietly communicates. We will begin the space with a **gentle, nourishing somatic yoga**\*\* practice guided by Barbara, a yoga teacher with a deeply soft and intuitive approach. This is about slowly arriving in the body, opening, and sensing from within - all movements can be adapted, and you are very welcome to move in a way that honours your body, including if you are working with physical limitations. From there, we will move into the circle, into reflection, sharing, and deeper listening. Through gentle exercises, mindful awareness, and guided reflection, we will tune into the rhythms of our nervous system, begin to notice what our bodies are truly communicating, and reconnect with the intelligence that lives within us. **What to expect:** \- A soft somatic opening with an experienced facilitator \- Exploration of how your body speaks to you \- Reflection and sharing in a safe\, expansive circle \- Connection in supportive sisterhood Whether you are curious, seeking alignment, or simply longing for a deeper relationship with yourself, you are welcome exactly as you are. This is a space where nothing needs to be performed or fixed. A space where your body is not judged, but met. A space where your experience is welcome. **Suggested contribution:** £25\*\*\* Please give what feels aligned with your circumstances. Advance-booking recommended. **Practical information:** Dress comfortably. Journals welcome. Mums with babes in arms (up to 6 months) are welcome. Come home to yourself. Come meet your body as your truest companion. Come soften, open, and listen - together. We can’t wait to hold this space with you ✨ *If you have any questions about the space, you’re very welcome to reach out.* *\*These Women’s Circle events are intentionally created for cisgender women.* *\*\*Somatic yoga, grounded in gentle awareness and slow, exploratory movement, invites a feminine, receptive approach that honours intuition and inner sensing. It fosters deep mind–body attunement, supporting emotional release and greater bodily resilience through curiosity and compassionate attention.* *Yoga teacher: Barbara Heck* *[be-unique-yoga.co.uk](https://be-unique-yoga.co.uk "https://be-unique-yoga.co.uk")* *\*\*\*It is at the centre of my heart to make these spaces available to all women; hence, the event is donation-based, with a suggested contribution of £25 to help cover the costs. If you're able to contribute, please consider the suggested donation amount. However, please know your presence is most valuable. Additionally, if you're in a position to support another Sister's participation, I encourage you to pay it forward. Your kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone else's experience. Thank you for your support and generosity. Together, we can create a space where all sisters feel welcomed and supported.*

*Etre ici est une splendeur* de Marie Darrieussecq est la biographie de Paula M. Becker. (160 pages) Réfléchi, saisissant et nécessaire. Un livre sur une artiste qui devient une œuvre d’art en soi, et qui attire l’attention sur la persistance de l’altérité et de l’exclusion dans lesquelles évoluent les femmes artistes. Intéressé à la lecture en espagnol, en anglais ou à la littérature perse ? : -www.meetup.com/gaia-books -www.meetup.com/gaia-libros -www.meetup.com/persian-culture -French Art Group (envoyez-moi une demande) -Instagram: @persian_culture_

Join the London Women Chess Club (LWCC) for our weekly social chess session in a friendly, supportive and inclusive environment. Whether you are completely new to chess, returning after a break, or already playing competitively, you are very welcome. LWCC is an ECF award-winning community initiative dedicated to encouraging more women and girls to play chess, build confidence, and progress into competitive play if they wish. We are proud to see new members joining every month, with many progressing into league matches and tournaments. What to expect * Friendly social games * Opportunities to improve your chess * Informal group coaching and guidance to help members progress * Information about tournaments and league opportunities * A respectful and supportive environment * A growing community of women supporting each other through chess Who can join * Women and girls of all levels * Complete beginners are very welcome * Players returning after a break * Competitive players looking for a supportive community How to join LWCC To help us maintain a safe and well-organised community, we ask new members to complete our short membership form before joining our WhatsApp community. [Membership registration](https://form.jotform.com/241453653475359) [Group Coaching ](https://pci.jotform.com/form/241475449120353) Our WhatsApp group is shared with registered members so we can keep communication relevant and maintain a positive environment for everyone. About London Women Chess Club London Women Chess Club is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) focused on making chess more accessible to women and creating a positive pathway into competitive chess. We collaborate with libraries, chess organisations and the English Chess Federation to build a strong and sustainable women’s chess community in London. [Instagram!](https://www.instagram.com/londonwomenchessclub) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/london-women-chess-club/)

**🌟 Radiant Members - Free admission and no deposit required 🌟** **🌸 Blossom Members and Non Members - £10 deposit and £2.50 non refundable admin fee (Financial Assistance Available) 🌸** ***'Empowered Women Empower Women',*** our motto at Women Empowered MCR for 5 years! Join us for afternoon tea at the enchanting Brigit's Bakery Covent Garden, London! We're bringing together an amazing group of women to connect, share, and empower one another for a luxurious and inspiring afternoon. As we enjoy delicious finger sandwiches, cakes, scones and tea, we'll dive into lively conversations about women's empowerment, covering topics such as: * Self-care and mindfulness * Hobbies, interests and creativity * Mentorship and uplifting other women * Modern relationships and friendships * Anything else that's on your mind! Plus we also promise fun, laughter and friendships 🙂 ❤️ At Women Empowered MCR we are dedicated to bringing women together to make meaningful connections, combating loneliness and supporting women who share a passion for personal growth and empowering one another. We hope you will join us for a friendly, supportive, and inspiring afternoon where all women are made to feel welcome! Importantly, if you are worried about not knowing anyone and coming along by yourself (and we have all had that feeling 😊) please don't be - our event hosts will be there to welcome you and make sure you have a lovely time. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of our women's empowerment group and celebrate the strength and accomplishments of women everywhere. Reserve your spot today and come share in the fun, inspiration, and, of course, the tasty treats at Brigit's! We can't wait to welcome you! 😊 💖 **Venue:** Brigit's Bakery London 6-7 Chandos Place London WC2N 4HU You can find out more about [Brigit's Bakery here.](https://b-bakery.com/london/bakery-covent-garden) See the [Afternoon Tea details here.](https://b-bakery.com/london/brigits-bakery/afternoon-tea-covent-garden) **Date:** Sunday 19th April Time: 15:00 - 17:00 **Dress code:** Smart/casual **Cost** The Afternoon Tea menu is from £40.00 per head. **Radiant Members** \- No payment required\. Please book for this event on our [website](https://womenempoweredmcr.org/events/). Radiant Members will need to pay for the cost of their food and drink directly to the venue on the day. **Blossom Members and Non Members** \- Please book here on Meetup\. There is a £10 deposit per person\. Therefore\, we require £12\.50 to reserve your place which consists of £10 payment as a deposit towards your food\, and £2\.50 non\-refundable PayPal/Admin fees\. Blossom Members and non members will need to pay the remainder of the costs of their food and drink directly to the venue on the day\. **To find out more about becoming a Radiant Member please visit our [website](https://womenempoweredmcr.org/membership-account/membership-levels/).** **Financial Assistance** We aim to be inclusive and provide opportunity for growth and empowerment to all irrespective of financial status. Therefore, if you have financial difficulty and need funding to attend, please email us at finance@womenempoweredmcr.org and we may be able to provide funding for you to attend this event without an admin charge. Funding will not cover the cost of food and drinks. It would only cover the admin fee. **Refund Policy** The £2.50 admin fee is non-refundable. We will refund the deposit if the venue agrees. Please get in touch if you are unable to attend. We always welcome substitutes. If you can't make it, why not resell or gift your place to someone else? **Friendly Reminders** All of our events and platforms are a safe space for women. This means: * We do not judge. We respect other women. We understand that each of us is unique and different, and we avoid gossip about other women; * We are kind towards other women. We address each other in a loving and kind manner. * We support other women. We are present for other women in any way we are able. * We keep matters confidential and private. We respect each other’s privacy and do not take personal information out of events and platforms. **Please Note:** This event is for women only. For queries about the event please email events@womenempoweredmcr.org We hope you can join us and we can't wait to welcome you!

FIND YOUR BESTIE XO BUILD YOUR COMMUNITY XO She’s here… and she’s full xo Our May, June & July Events ARE GOING LIVE SUNDAY XOXO — and it is everything. Over the next three months, we are bringing you a full experience calendar designed for connection, confidence, fun, creativity, and living a little more fully. From slow mornings to sparkling nights… from deep conversations to playful, social moments… this is your space to find your people and your spark. Our Monthly Favourites xo The ones you’ll see again and again — your go-to moments to connect, unwind, and enjoy Pizza & Prosecco xo Cocktail Connections xo Besties, Bubbles & Banter xo Mexican & Margaritas xo Sunday Sessions xo Walks, Lunches & Dinners xo Bubbles & Brunch xo Rosé All Day xo Sips & Sunshine xo Lunch & Laughs xo Dinner & Drinks xo Prosecco & Platters xo Tapas & Tequila xo Spritz & Social xo Girls Night & Giggles xo Wine Down Wednesdays xo Sangria & Sunshine xo Champagne Catch-Ups xo Cocktails & Conversations xo Brunch & Bubbles xo Sip & Social xo Tacos & Tequila xo Sunset Sips xo Fizz & Friends xo Cheese & Chardonnay xo Margs & Mates xo Bites & Bubbles xo Sips, Snacks & Social xo Dinner Party xo Long Lunch xo Sparkling Social xo Bubbles & Banter xo Friday Night Fizz xo Weekend Wind Down xo Sunday Sips xo Plates & Prosecco xo … and everything in between Our Signature Experiences xo FASHION & STYLE Style Your Shape xo Fashionistas xo FOOD & DRINK Foodie Femmes xo Bake It & Take It xo Charcuterie, Cocktails & Champagne xo Champagne & Cocktails xo Wine & Travel xo Boozy Book Club xo WELLNESS, MOVEMENT & NATURE Glow & Grow xo Nature Lovers xo Walking Women xo Tipsy Yoga xo Garden Gurus xo CREATIVITY & EXPRESSION Sip & Sketch xo Champagne & Creativity xo She Creates xo LIFESTYLE, SOCIAL & CONNECTION High Tea Honeys xo Books & Bubbles xo Bestie Connect xo Pawse & Prosecco xo My Love Language is Picnics xo Dine & Dance xo PERSONAL GROWTH & CONFIDENCE Love Your Life xo She Builds xo Ladies in LeadHERship xo Money & Magnetic Women xo SATURDAY RESET SERIES Mindfulness & Mimosas xo Morning Glow xo Coffee & Connection xo Slow Saturday Society xo Move & Mingle xo The Saturday Reset xo Bloom Morning xo Create Your Calm xo The Gentle Hustle xo The Friendship Brunch xo Reset & Rise xo This is your invitation to step into something more — more connection, more joy, more you. Memberships open tomorrow - $50 for 13 months normally $199. SALE ENDS MIDNIGHT Sunday 19th April 2026 OR Sold out prior. Limited spaces across all experiences Find your people. Find your moment. Find your COMMUNITY XO

Spanish Spring Weekend Fermín, an abstract painter facing a personal and financial crisis, lives in his friend’s studio in Madrid. He hides a tremor in his hand and initially refuses to enter a competition. However, he changes his mind after receiving a foreclosure notice and with the unexpected arrival of his son. Together, they will try to overcome their differences to create a modern version of Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights. Considered one of the masters of contemporary Spanish comedy, Fernando Colomo wrote the script with his son Pablo, taking as a starting point their own father-son relationship, in a film they describe as a sort of “autofiction”. We will go for a drink to discuss the film.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be a good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

**Let’s catch up and take an afternoon break.** **Grab a coffee or snack and let’s chit chat! Gayle and I will bring adult coloring books and/or a simple craft if you’d like to unwind and relax.😊**

This is a time where players of all ages, and skill levels can gather and enjoy a nice Sunday full of Chess!

Let’s get together for a relaxed Saturday brunch! This will be the very first event for our group. Whether you’re looking to meet new friends, get out more, or just enjoy good conversation over brunch, this is the perfect place to start. We’ll be meeting at The Goat Gahanna for great food, drinks, and a welcoming, no-pressure atmosphere.

Join us for pizza and conversation at Stone Bar & Kitchen 🍕 Good slices, good stories, and plenty of laughs around the table. Come hungry, bring your best conversation, and let’s enjoy a relaxed evening with great company. Extra cheese and extra chatter encouraged! 😄

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

Semi in honor of March being International Women's Month Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709) Location: SOW Plated Menu: [https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/](https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/) Book summary: In 2006 Julia Lerner is living in Moscow, a recent university graduate in computer science, when she's recruited by Russia's largest intelligence agency. By 2018 she's in Silicon Valley as COO of Tangerine, one of America's most famous technology companies. In between her executive management (make offers to promising startups, crush them and copy their features if they refuse); self promotion (check out her latest op-ed in the WSJ, on Work/Life Balance 2.0); and work in gender equality (transfer the most annoying females from her team), she funnels intelligence back to the motherland. But now Russia's asking for more, and Julia's getting nervous. Alice Lu is a first generation Chinese American whose parents are delighted she's working at Tangerine (such a successful company!). Too bad she's slogging away in the lower echelons, recently dumped, and now sharing her expensive two-bedroom apartment with her cousin Cheri, a perennial "founder's girlfriend". One afternoon, while performing a server check, Alice discovers some unusual activity, and now she's burdened with two powerful but distressing suspicions: Tangerine's privacy settings aren't as rigorous as the company claims they are, and the person abusing this loophole might be Julia Lerner herself. The closer Alice gets to Julia, the more Julia questions her own loyalties. Russia may have placed her in the Valley, but she's the one who built her career; isn't she entitled to protect the lifestyle she's earned?