Lunch came quicker than Angelo expected. He walked into the café with Lyra, hoping for a quiet break this time. He silently prayed, Please, no drama today.

Lyra went ahead to place their order while Angelo scanned the room, trying to avoid any unwanted encounters.

Just as he was about to sit down, his eyes caught Adrien pacing near a corner, phone pressed to his ear, his voice low but tense.

“Code is red, okay? And tell that woman to never call me again, or she’ll regret it. Make sure she gets the message right on her bed.”

He lowered the phone, then suddenly noticed Angelo watching him.

“I thought you didn’t have class. What were you talking about, senior?” Angelo asked quietly.

Adrien’s eyes darkened. “None of your business, little angel,” he snapped before turning sharply and jogging away.

---

Same Night — Velvet Vibe Lounge, Downtown**

The music downstairs was loud and wild, but up here in the VIP lounge, everything was quiet and smooth. Dim lights. Expensive furniture. A slow jazz beat in the background.

Mr. Silver sat in a black leather booth, shirt slightly unbuttoned, gold watch shining under the light. He looked calm, but his eyes were sharp.

Then she walked in, Pain wrapped in luxury

She looked powerful—mid-40s, silver heels, dark blue dress that fit perfectly. Red lips. Confident steps

“You’re late,” Mr. Silver said, sipping his drink.

She sat across from him, crossing her legs. “Traffic. Or maybe I just wanted to see if you’d wait.”

He smirked. “You love testing me.”

“And you love passing,” she replied, with a sly smile. “Anyway, let’s get to it. I heard the last shipment had issues?”

“I handled it,” he said calmly.

“Three crates disappeared,” she said, raising her brow. “That’s not ‘handled.’ That’s a problem.”

“I moved it through another route,” he explained. “The docks were getting risky. We lost a few, but it’s under control now.”

She swirled her wine glass. “Lisbon is getting impatient. They want results.”

“They’ll get it,” he said. “With a bonus.”

Her smile returned. “That’s why I still work with you. You deliver.”

There was a pause... “You didn’t just come here for business, did you?” he asked.

“Maybe not,” she said, leaning back He chuckled. “Dangerous move.”

“I like danger,” she replied, lightly touching his hand. “And I like money.”

They raised their glasses and clinked them together.

Then she leaned in again, voice softer.

“Keep the shipments coming, keep the money high—and maybe next time, I’ll let you take me dancing.”

Mr. Silver raised an eyebrow. “You don’t dance with business partners.”

“I do if they make me feel safe… and rich.”

They both laughed quietly, but there was tension in the air—flirty, but serious too.

She stood up, brushing her dress smooth. “Call me when Lisbon confirms.”

He nodded once. “I will.”

She blew him a fake kiss and walked out, heels tapping against the marble floor.