“Reservation under the name Devandra Aditama,” Vania’s voice was firm as she stood before the receptionist of The Aurelia restaurant.

The woman at the host stand glanced at the small tablet in her hand, then looked up with a faint trace of confusion.

“I’m sorry, ma’am… there’s no reservation under that name. But—” she paused briefly, a faint smile forming, “—there is a guest who asked me to personally escort you to the VIP table.”

Vania frowned. “Who?”

“She said you’d definitely know her… Mrs. Karen Ainsworth.”

Vania’s chest tightened. “Please take me,” she replied, hiding the simmering anger behind a faint smile.

---

Soft music floated through the air...