Felix stood at the curb, hands buried in his coat pockets, eyes scanning every shadow.
When the boutique's side door opened, Christina emerged, flanked by handlers. Cameras snapped from across the street, but the security team blocked direct shots.
She saw him instantly.
“Christina," he called gently.
She didn't stop walking.
“Five minutes," he said.
She hesitated.
Her handler stepped between them. “Miss Lin has a tight schedule—"
“It's fine," she said quietly.
The handler frowned. “Mr. Carlisle wouldn't approve."
“I'll take the responsibility," she said. Then to Felix, “Walk with me. Just over there."
They stepped past the flower stand and stopped beneath the boutique's awning, the autumn wind brushing between them.
Felix broke the silence. “I didn't know you were still here.
