Morning arrived with a calm brightness, the Manila skyline washed in pale gold as if the city itself were taking a slow breath. Olivia stood by the window of the Salcedo unit, watching people move far below like small, determined figures. Joggers. Office workers. Delivery riders. Everyone seemed to know exactly where they belonged.
She still wasn’t sure she did.
Behind her, Simon buttoned the cuff of his black shirt with steady precision. His movements were deliberate, practiced, almost ritualistic. Today was their last day in Manila, but there was no air of leisure about it. His posture alone told Olivia that the day was already claimed by business.
“We will leave by nine,” he said without looking up. “I have a meeting at Ardent Lex.”
Olivia nodded softly. She had heard the name befor
