Czar didn't wait for the plates to be cleared. He watched her finish her last bite, his eyes gleaming with a sudden, restless energy. "Pack a light jacket, petal. We’re leaving."
"Now? But the studio—"
"The studio can wait," he interrupted, standing up and pulling her to her feet with a gentle tug. "I’ve spent my life following a schedule written by someone else. Today, we’re following mine."
He led her to the garage, but instead of the usual armored SUV or the vintage car, he pointed toward a sleek, matte-black helicopter waiting on the private helipad at the edge of the estate.
As they took to the air, the city began to shrink beneath them, replaced by the rugged, untouched beauty of the coastline. Czar flew the craft himself, his hands steady on the controls. He didn't speak much du
