Half an hour later...
When Anastasia finally descended from the second floor, the once-crowded venue had mostly emptied. Guests, realizing they wouldn't get a moment with Adrian, had gradually trickled out, leaving behind only a few stragglers.
Tessa was seated near the exit, her posture relaxed as she waited. As soon as Anastasia appeared, she jumped to her feet and hurried over. "Anya, who did you meet?"
Anastasia hesitated, her thoughts flashing back to Adrian's earlier request. The memory of his low, smooth voice lingered, but she quickly dismissed it. 'Better not say anything yet,' she decided. "No one important," she replied with a casual shrug. "Just an old acquaintance."
She reached for her phone, pulling it from her purse to call a driver. The wine she and Tessa had shared ear
