Dorian Hale finished the last bite of his halibut with the calm focus of a man who didn’t rush anything. He didn’t look around. He didn’t fidget. He simply ate — quietly, neatly, like he belonged in any room he stepped into.
Sadie pushed through the kitchen doors carrying a tray of desserts.
She froze.
Her eyes widened.
“Oh my God,” she whispered under her breath.
Kya glanced over. “What?”
Sadie leaned closer. “That guy. By the window. I’ve seen him before.”
Kya blinked. “Where?”
“On the street. Weeks ago. He was the good‑looking one who looked like he hated the world. Remember I told you about him?”
She swallowed. “I… may have had a tiny crush.”
Kya raised a brow. “Sadie.”
“I didn’t say I acted on it,” Sadie hissed. “I just admired from a distance.”
But then she saw Julian and
