CHAPTER 010 ADRIAN'S POV Flipping through what felt like the 100th file of the day , I paused and pinched the bridge of my nose , feeling the stress of everything so far , getting on my nerves . I leaned back and took a glance at my watch , my stomach growled as I realized I hadn ' t eaten anything since my morning breakfast and I didn't want to eat dinner alone . Pulling out my phone , I scrolled through the contact list , only stopping when I saw the name of the person I was looking for James my best friend , or at least , the person closest to me , to be dimmed a best friend . We've been in at it farther than I could remember , though we stopped talking for a while after he left the country that was years ago and now he was back , we got talking again , and as the brother I considered him to be he was always there . I shot him a quick text , letting him know that we should meet up . The city lights flickered outside the tinted windows of my car as we drove toward my favorite restaurant . James sat beside me , scrolling mindlessly through his phone , the screen illuminating his face in the dim interior. " You know ," he muttered , not looking up , " we come here so often it's basically your second home ." I smirked , glancing at him . " Maybe it is . " It didn't take long before the familiar sight of the upscale restaurant came into view . The sleek , golden lettering above the entrance shimmered under the glow of streetlights . My driver smoothly pulled up to the curb , and without hesitation , I stepped out , adjusting the cuffs of my suit . James followed , stretching his arms lazily . - The moment we entered , the warm ambiance wrapped around us a soft hum of conversations , the clinking of silverware against fine china , and the rich aroma of gourmet dishes wafting through the air . The place was packed as usual , filled with people dressed in their finest attire , yet the moment they noticed me , the room subtly shifted . A staff member , barely able to mask his nervousness , quickly went toward the back , no doubt going to alert the owner . I merely sighed , already used to the reaction . It wasn't surprising . I had invested a significant amount into this place when it was nothing but an idea , and now it was one of the most renowned restaurants in the city . Every time I stepped inside , I was treated like royalty. James nudged me as we made our way toward our usual table . " Still not used to all the staring ? " he teased . 1/3 CHAPTER 010 I ignored him , casually adjusting my tie as we took our seats . Moments later , the owner himself approached , his usual broad smile stretched across his face . " Mr. Adrian , Mr. James , " he greeted with an air of respect , though there was a slight tremor in his voice . " A pleasure to have you both dining with us tonight . " James leaned back , resting his arm against the chair . " We'll have the usual ," he said without hesitation . The owner hesitated , shifting uncomfortably . " Ah , it may take some time , sirs . You didn ' t book an appointment for us to prepare it in advance ." I glanced up at him , my expression stern . " And so what ? I can come anytime I want , I don't need to book an appointment all the time . " My voice was calm , yet laced with an unmistakable coldness . The owner swallowed hard , his hands slightly fidgeting . " O ... of course , you're right , sir . I'll bring some wine and appetizers to keep you occupied while the main course is prepared . " As he scurried away , James let out a chuckle , shaking his head . " You gotta give the guy a break , man . " I scoffed . " The moment you do that , they start forgetting where they belong ," I said , picking up my phone . " Just like Olivia . " James ' eyebrows rose in amusement . " You still haven't given me the load down brother , What did she do this time ? " I exhaled sharply , my fingers scrolling through social media aimlessly . " She got pregnant . Then lost the baby . Not that I care . " I said bitterly . " She was reckless while carrying a child . " James tilted his head slightly , his brown eyes popped out clearly surprised . " Pregnant ? Was she still with you when she found out ? " " No. " My tone was dismissive . " And I don't care . She wanted a divorce , and she's not going to get one ." James studied me for a moment as if trying to decipher something beneath my words . " If you don't want to divorce her why not try fixing things between you two . " " There's nothing to fix , James . " My voice was devoid of emotion . He sighed , rubbing the back of his neck . " I mean , I'm not taking sides here , but she did. catch you cheating ." I shot him a sharp look . " Correction , it was a misunderstanding . Dora spiked my drink , and Olivia walked in at the wrong time . " James let out a low whistle . " That's messy , bro . " Before I could respond , the restaurant doors swung open , and my attention instinctively shifted as Dora walked in with effortless grace . Her presence 2/3 CHAPTER 010 commanded attention as she always did . Even though I was still angry at her for what she had done , it had been a while since I spoke to her face to face , but still , I couldn't deny her beauty . She knew how to turn heads how to make people stop and stare . It was almost like an art form for her . She took a seat at a nearby table , unaware of my presence yet . My eyes lingered on her longer than they should have , my emotions torn between indifference and intrigue . Some part of me hoped she wouldn't notice me , but another part of me ... wanted her to . James followed my gaze and smirked . " Speak of the devil ." His words snapped me back to reality . I had introduced her to this restaurant once , and since then , she had been coming here often , though not as much as I did . I wondered if it was a coincidence that she was here tonight or if she had planned this . The owner returned with a group of waiters trailing behind him , each carrying multiple dishes . The sight caused murmurs to spread through the restauránt . People probably assumed the food was meant for several different tables , but soon enough , their whispers turned into silent shock as every single dish was placed in front of me . I smirked , relishing their reactions . However , the commotion drew Dora's attention . I felt her gaze before I even looked up . When I finally did , a small smile tugged at her lips . She knew I had seen her , and without hesitation , she pushed back her chair and stood . And just like that , she started walking toward me . James chuckled under his breath . " Look who's coming over . " I leaned back in my chair , letting out a deep sigh awaiting what would come next . 3/3