Chloe exhaled softly, steadying herself before stepping back into the private suite of Dominion Prime.
The familiar buzz of conversation greeted her immediately—Mikael laughing at something Carter said, Aria picking at the last bites of her dessert, the effortless warmth of family settling around the room.
She slid back into her seat smoothly, fingers curling around her glass of water.
Mikael barely waited a beat before tilting his head, gaze flickering toward her with vague amusement.
"Took you long enough."
Chloe scoffed lightly, brushing off the remark, keeping her voice measured.
"Did I?"
Aria smirked, tapping a manicured nail against her plate. "You did."
Mikael hummed, studying her.
Not pushing.
Not yet.
But he knew.
Meanwhile—across the restaurant, in a separate private suite, Kian Ashford fought the urge to check his watch.
His jaw was tight.
His patience? Thinning by the second.
Herman Lorrence—CEO of a mid-tier logistics company, eager, overly talkative—kept droning on about partnerships, expansion, potential collaborations.
And beside him?
Aviana.
Seated directly in front of Kian.
Deliberate. Calculated.
And when she leaned forward—the neckline of her dress dipped, just slightly, just enough to demand attention.
But Kian? Unmoved.
His gaze barely flickered. His expression remained unreadable.
Aviana smiled softly, lashes fluttering. "Mr. Ashford, your company has always been an inspiration to my father."
Kian didn't react.
Herman chuckled, nodding eagerly. "That's right! We've watched Ashford Industries dominate the field for years."
Kian exhaled lightly, barely nodding.
He knew this game.
And he had no patience for it.
Aviana shifted, eyes lingering on him. "I've actually been fascinated by your approach to leadership…"
Kian met her gaze briefly, sharp, uninterested.
Then—calm, clipped, final.
"If you want insight, I suggest reading my published strategies rather than seeking conversation over dinner."
Herman chuckled, awkwardly clearing his throat.
Aviana flushed slightly, recovering quickly. "Oh, of course! But personal perspective is far more valuable…"
Kian merely lifted his glass, taking a slow sip.
Because if Chloe weren't here—if she weren't somewhere in this restaurant, existing in a space he wasn't in—he would have canceled this meeting entirely.
Because this? This wasn't coincidence.
And he knew it.