The air around them thickened, charged with defiance as they continued to hold each other's gaze. Neither blinked, neither backed down—it was a silent battle of unspoken accusations and unresolved resentment.
Then, abruptly, Alexander's phone rang again, slicing through the tension like a blade.
"Hello?" he answered, voice sharp and clipped.
Gina's eyes flicked toward the waiter as he arrived and silently placed their food on the table. Still, her attention was rooted to Alexander, her senses alert, straining to catch every word of the conversation.
"There's a problem, boss," came a voice thick with panic.
Alexander's jaw clenched. "Calm down, Reeve. Tell me exactly what happened," he said, his tone even but taut. A tiny crack in his composure appeared—barely noticeable, but to someone watching as closely as Gina, it was unmistakable.
Reeve.
Gina didn't know the name, but the effect it had on Alexander told her plenty.
