When Ashton arrived at the teahouse, Alex glanced down at his watch, tapping it with an exaggerated motion before speaking in a low voice. "The man's been waiting for half an hour."

"Getting impatient?" Ashton asked casually, his tone devoid of any concern. His attire was simple and understated, blending him into his surroundings rather than standing out.

If it weren’t for his sharply defined features and the naturally aloof aura that surrounded him, his ...