Chapter 57

Julian's POV

I walked into my restaurant, which was bustling with people, and was immediately enveloped by the warm, inviting atmosphere. The laughter and chatter of patrons filled the air, blending with the rich aroma of freshly prepared dishes. It felt surreal to own this place—my dream realized after years of hard work and dedication.

I scanned the room, looking for Isabella, but I couldn’t spot her among the crowd. I took a seat at a table in a corner as I gestured for a waitress. She approached, bowing slightly.

"Where is Isabella?" I asked, trying to keep my tone steady.

"She's in the kitchen," she replied.

"Get...