The private dining room of La Mer restaurant exuded opulence. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the polished mahogany table. Jasper Covington strode in first, confident and self-assured. His eyes landed on a woman sitting alone at the far end of the table, her back straight as she sipped water from a crystal glass.
"Excuse me," Jasper called out, his tone imperious. "This room is reserved for a private meeting."
The woman turned, revealing her face. Lyra Moreau.
Jasper's expression hardened instantly. "What are you doing here? Are you working as waitstaff now?"
Lyra set her glass down calmly. "Hello to you too, Jasper."
His lip curled in disdain. "I asked you a question. This room is reserved for an important business meeting. You need to leave."
The door opened again. Orla entered with Eleanor Croft on her arm. Orla's face contorted with shock and disgust.
"What is she doing here?" Orla hissed, her manicured nails digging into her mother's arm.
