The location Leon sent was discreet.
A private lounge tucked inside a high-end restaurant—quiet, polished, intentionally low-profile. The kind of place where conversations stayed contained and unnoticed.
Or at least…
That’s what Elara believed.
⸻
She arrived ten minutes early.
Simple.
Composed.
Dressed in a way that balanced elegance and ease—nothing too bold, nothing too guarded.
Just… herself.
⸻
Leon was already there.
Seated.
Waiting.
For a brief moment, as his eyes lifted and landed on her—
He forgot the plan.
⸻
Elara walked toward him, offering a small, polite smile.
“Hi.”
Leon stood immediately. “Hey… thank you for coming.”
His tone was softer this time.
Less rehearsed.
Less calculated.
⸻
They sat.
A waiter passed briefly, taking their orders.
Silence linge
