She didn't raise her voice. She didn't scold. She didn't even sound surprised. She sounded like someone who had opened a door expecting peace, only to find noise on the other side.
Samuel, standing in his sharp suit with his hair slicked back like he owned the night, gave her his best charming grin, as if that would ease her mood.
"It's such a surprise to see you," he said, sliding both hands casually into his pockets. "Honestly, I didn't expect you to be here all by yourself. I thought you'd be out of town or maybe at a business event. What's going on? Is this a business dinner or… something more personal?"
Cora blinked at him, unimpressed. Her voice came out flat, like she didn't even want to waste energy forming her words.
"Whatever I'm here for is none of your business, Samuel," she said, folding her arms. "And I'm not alone. I came here with someone."
