The restaurant sat on the top floor of the high-rise, overlooking the sprawling city skyline below. A sea of golden, amber, and silver light stretched across the dark expanse, reflecting off the polished glass windows.
It was elegant.
Quiet.
Warm ambient lighting glowed subtly against dark mahogany trim, and soft instrumental music drifted lazily through the air. It was refined without being ostentatious—nothing extravagant enough to make Elena feel entirely out of her depth, though her hands still felt slightly cool as she smoothed down her outfit.
She took a slow, steadying breath at the entrance, adjusted her coat, and checked her watch.
Seven o’clock precisely.
She arrived exactly on time.
The host guided her through the spacious dining room, past quiet alcoves and softly murmur
