UNEXPECTED ANCHOR
The small café near Silverline’s office had become one of my favorite quiet spots. The coffee was decent, the lighting soft, and best of all, no one from my old life ever came here. I arrived a few minutes early and claimed a corner table by the window. Ryan had suggested we meet to go over the latest investment details, but something in his text felt less like business and more like an excuse to spend time together.
He walked in exactly on time, wearing a casual navy sweater that made his relaxed elegance stand out even more. When he saw me, his face lit up with that warm, genuine smile I was starting to look forward to.
“Evelyn,” he said, pulling out the chair across from me. “You beat me here. I was hoping to impress you by being early.”
I smiled back. “Old habits.
