From Stan Dan’s point of view, the initiative shown by Delicious Dishes was already a rare courtesy. Even if the establishment had some degree of acquaintance with Jesse Plemons of Dragon Ascension, prudence would still dictate restraint. Businesses that survived long enough to earn a name in Redharrow did not gamble lightly, especially when power and reputation were involved. Every invitation extended was a calculation, every smile a weighing of risk against reward.
Yet Issac Monroe did not hesitate in the slightest.
“Thank you for the offer,” he said plainly, his tone calm and unadorned, “but there’s no need.”
The words landed with an audible finality.
For a brief moment, Stan Dan’s smile froze, the corners of his mouth stiffening before he could rein it back in. He had seen countles
