“Adrian, you came after all.”

The soft yet cold voice floated through the five-star restaurant as an elegant woman stepped inside with poised confidence.

Adrian, already seated at a corner table, lifted his gaze. “You’re late, Vanessa.”

The woman smiled sweetly, though calculation gleamed in her eyes. Vanessa—well-known in socialite circles and the fashion business. Her glittering black gown hugged her figure, and her minimalist yet expensive jewelry heightened her air of sophistication.

“I was late on purpose,” she said, pulling out the chair with graceful ease. “A woman should always make an entrance that… leaves an impression.”

Adrian exhaled, unwilling to argue over something so trivial. “Let’s just eat....