When there was money to be made and interests aligned, even a blood feud yesterday could turn into drinks today.

As they exited the hospital, Vespera asked, “Back to the office, Mr. Reid?” She checked the time. It was just before 11:00 am.

Dominic replied, “No. Eden’s in Halewick. He invited me to lunch.”

“Mr. Locke’s in town, huh? That Alpha among Alphax—the definition of dominance. Post his chest alone could probably make half the emotionally neglected men in the city fall head over…”

Dominic glanced at Vespera, who looked lost in thought. “Ms. Gildon, what’s got you so deep in thought?”

Vespera put on an innocent face. “Nothing, really.”

Dominic sighed, lightly tapped her forehead, and walked away.

Vespera was stunned. Did he just read her mind? How was that even possible? She was sure she hadn’t shown anything on her face. She prided herself on her…

She cut herself off mid-sentence, pausing for a second or two before continuing. “I’ve been there before. The food and the atmosphere are both pretty good.”

From the backseat, Dominic’s voice drifted forward, low and faint. “Looks like you haven’t forgotten the past.”

Vespera replied coolly, “I just have a good memory.”

Dominic’s eyes lowered slightly, a chill creeping into them. He didn’t say anything else, but she could feel a subtle shift in the air around them. Memory wasn’t something she could control; it wanted to pop into her head, what could she do?

The rest of the ride passed in silence.

When they arrived at the restaurant, the manager, Bobby Hale, came up to greet them with warm enthusiasm. As he was about to ask if they had a reservation, he caught sight of Vespera standing behind Dominic, and his eyes lit up. “Ms. Gildan, it’s been a while since you and Mr. Munoz came into—”

He stopped himself mid-sentence, the word “eat” never making it out. Something clearly clicked in his brain at the last second.

Vespera’s expression froze for a moment.

Dominic turned slightly, his cool, handsome face giving nothing away. “Seems you’re a regular. Why don’t you show the way!”

Vespera said, “It’s been a long time since I came here. I don’t remember much.”

Dominic narrowed his eyes. “Really?”

Vespera nodded only. “Yes, I really don’t remember.”

“Can’t blame you. It’s not like this place was worth remembering,” Dominic said flatly, then walked straight ahead without looking back.

Bobby instantly realized he’d said something wrong and pissed someone off. He quickly apologized and personally led them to a private room. He didn’t know who Dominic was exactly, but based on the way he carried himself, it was clear that he wasn’t just anybody. Bobby walked ahead to guide them.

The restaurant was decorated with a vintage aesthetic, echoing a bygone era. Vespers used to love eating here, not just because the food suited her tastes but because the atmosphere was calm and relaxing. Compared to flashy luxury, she preferred the understated elegance and spacious silence this place offered.

As they crossed a small bridge inside, Dominic asked casually, “Ms. Gildon, what’s behind that little pavilion?”

“It’s…” Vespera started to say it was a tea room but caught herself just in time. She frowned and paused for a few seconds. “Hmm, I forgot.”

Dominic asked, “You forgot?”

“Yeah, I did.”

Suddenly, a smile appeared on his face. “Not a big loss. Doesn’t look like anything worth seeing anyway.”

Bobby was dying inside. He led them to the private room and opened the door.

As they stepped inside, Vespera immediately spotted Eden sitting by the window. The window was open. He had a cigarette between his fingers, phone in the other hand, barking into it like mad. Legs spread wide, posture completely relaxed, he looked wild and unfiltered. He wore a black knit polo and white casual pants—an outfit that should’ve screamed polished and refined, but on him, it looked dangerously sexy. The man was still a walking home explosion.

Iden and Dutine were complete opposites.

Dominic took a few steps and stopped, not moving any further.