When there was money to be made and interests aligned, even a blood fend yesterday could turn into drinks to


    As they exited the hospital, Vespera asked, "Back to the office, Mr. Reid?"


    She checked the time. It was just before 11:00 am.


    Dominic replied, "No. Eden''s in Halewick. He invited me to lunch."


    Act Fast: Free Bonus Time is Running Out!


    "Mr Locke''s in town, huh?


    That Alpha atong Alphax-the definition et dominance. Post his chest alone could probably make hall the emotionally neglected men in the city fall head over


    Dominic ncedat Vespera, who looked lost in thought. "Ms. Gildon, what''s got you so deep in though?5.


    Vespera put on an innocent face "Nothing, really''


    Dominic sighed, lightly tapped her forehead, and walked ett


    Vespera was stunned. Did he just read her mind? How was that even possible?


    She was sure she hadn''t s PADIESSION.COntial.


    They got in the car. She turned on the GPS and asked for the name of the restaurant.


    "Clondrek Kitchen, Dominic replied.


    "ph, I know that ce. I used to atmosphere are both pretty good."


    She finished and started the car


    shown anything en berface. She prided herself on her


    She cut herself oft mid-sentence, pausing for a second or two before contiming. "I''ve been there before. The food and the


    From the backseat. Dominic''s voice died forward, low and faint. "Looks like you haven''t forgotten the pa


    Vespera replied coolly, "I just have a good memory.


    Dominic''s eyes lowered slightly, a chill creeping into them. He didn''t say anything else, but she could feel a subtle shift in the air around them


    Memory wasn''t something she could control it it wanted to pop into her head, what could she do?


    The rest of the ride passed in silence.


    When they arrived at the restaurant, the manager, Bobby Hale, came up to greet them with warm enthusiasm


    As he was about to ask if they had a reservation, he caught sight of Vespera standing behind Dominic, and his eyes lit up. "Ms. Gildan, it''s been a while since you and Mr. Munoz came into "


    He stopped himself mid-sentence, the word eat never making it out. Something clearly clicked in his brain at thest second.


    Vespera''s expression froze for a moment.


    Dominic turned slightly, his cool, handsome face giving nothing away. "Seems you''re a regr. Why don''t you show the way!


    Vespera said, “It''s been a long time since I came here. I don''t remember much"


    Dominic narrowed his eyes. "Really?"


    Vespera nodded tonly. "Yes, I really don''t remember."


    "Can''t me you. It''s not like this ce was worth remembering." Dominic said tly, then walked straight ahead without looking back.


    Bobby instantly realized he''d said something wrong and pissed someone off. He quickly apologized and personally led them to a private room.


    He didn''t low who Dominic was exactly, but based on the way he carried himself, it was clear that he wasn''t just anybody.


    Bobby walked ahead to guide them


    The restaurant was decorated with a vintage aesthetic, echoing a bygone era.


    Vespers used to love eating here, not just because the food suited her tastes but because the atmosphere was calm and rxing.


    Compared to shy luxury, she preferred the understated elegance and spacious silence this ce offered.


    As they crossed a small bridge inside, Dominic asked casually, "Ms. Gildon, what''s behind that little pavilion?"


    "It''s_" Vespera started to say it was a tea room but caught herself just in time. She frowned and paused for a few seconds. "Hmm, I forgot."


    Dominic asked, "Youforgot?"


    "Yeah, I did."


    Fuully, a smile appeared on his face. "Not a big loss. Doesn''t look like anything worth seeing anyway."


    Bobby was dying inside. He led them to the private room and opened the door.


    As they stepped inside, Vespera immediately spotted Eden sitting by the window.


    The window was open. He had a cigarette between his fingers, phone in the other hand, barking into it like mad. Lega spread wide, posturepletely rxed, he Tooked wild and unfitered.


    He wore a ck knit polo and white casual pants-an outfit that should''ve screamed polished and patined, but on him, it looked dangerously sexy. The man was still a walking home raplosion


    Iden and Dutine wereplete oppostri


    Dominis took a few steps and stopped, not moving any further.