The restaurant buzzed with quiet conversation, and the ambient lighting made everything feel intimate yet professional. Vanessa stepped inside, her tailored navy-blue dress exuding confidence. Her sharp heels clicked against the polished floor as a hostess guided her to the reserved table.

Mr. Kenwood stood when she approached, offering a polite smile. “Ms. Rodriguez, always a pleasure.”

Vanessa extended her hand. “Mr. Kenwood, thank you for meeting me.”

He gestured to her chair, and she sat gracefully. A waiter appeared, pouring wine into their glasses and presenting the menus.

“You’ve been keeping quite busy, I hear,” Kenwood said, sitting across from her.

Vanessa nodded, her fingers resting lightly on the...