Serena Waverly didn't linger in the private dining room. She was a master of the graceful exit, offering a toast of tea as if it were the finest Jade Spiral tea, congratulating the crew on their success with a few well-chosen words that left everyone feeling seen. Under the discreet protection of Ethan Gray, she slipped back into the quiet hallways of the hotel before the fans could regroup.
Once back at his own table, Ethan had to weather a localized firestorm of gossip from his colleagues, but he parried their questions with the practiced ease of a man who spent his days writing subtext. Just as he was finishing his third glass of wine, his phone buzzed in his pocket.
“Don't drink too much,” the message from Serena read. “And don't you dare drive if you do. Safety first.”
Ethan smiled
