ANASTASIA’S POV

I stood from my seat to stretch my arms over my head, wanting to ease the tension from my shoulders.

“Ivan,” I called as I spotted him by the doorway.

He stood there with his usual calm patience, his hands tucked into his pockets. “Are you ready to go, ma'am?" he asked.

“Yeah,” I said, grabbing my things. “I'm just gonna grab lunch first.”

“Anywhere in mind?”

I pulled out my phone and sent Athena a quick message: "On my way. Be there soon."

"Yeah, just a restaurant nearby."

Ivan gave a small nod and led the way out. My heels clicked against the floor as we walked...