Three months had passed since the break-in. Life slowly returned to normal for Adrian and Olivea, though the memory of that night still lingered at the back of their minds. Adrian threw himself deeper into his work, determined to keep his company thriving while also protecting the life he was building with Olivea.
One morning, inside his spacious office, the sound of knocking echoed against the walls.
Knock, knock…
"Yes, come in," Adrian called out, adjusting the stack of reports on his desk.
His assistant peeked through the door. "Good morning, sir. There's someone here to see you."
Before Adrian could ask who, the visitor stepped in. His eyes widened in recognition.
"Sarah?"
She smiled politely, dressed in a sleek formal dress that fit the professional setting yet somehow carried a faintly alluring undertone.
"Hello, Adrian," she greeted softly, walking toward the office sofa.
Adrian gestured for her to sit. "Please, have a seat. It's been a long time."
"I'm sorry to disturb you during work hours," Sarah replied, her tone apologetic yet oddly nervous.
Adrian leaned back in his chair, studying her. Something in her manner felt different, almost forced. "It's alright. But tell me—what brings you here?"
For a moment, Sarah hesitated, her eyes darting away. She fiddled with her handbag as if stalling. Then, with a long smile, she finally spoke.
"Adrian, we haven't spent time together in years. I was wondering… how about we hang out? Just like old times. There's something I want to tell you, but not here, not at the company."
Adrian exhaled slowly, unsure. He studied her expression but couldn't read what she was hiding. Still, he didn't want to appear dismissive.
"Alright," he said carefully. "Where would you like to meet?"
Her lips curved into a familiar yet clingy smile. "Do you still remember that restaurant we used to go to during college? The same one. Let's meet there after work."
Adrian forced a small, polite smile. "Yes… I remember. Fine, I'll see you there this evening."
Sarah rose gracefully, adjusting her dress before heading toward the door. "I'll be waiting."
The moment she stepped outside, however, her smile shifted into something sharper. Sliding into her car, she pulled out her phone and dialed a number.
"Hello. Make sure the plan goes smoothly," she whispered before ending the call.
Back in his office, Adrian returned to his work, though his mind replayed the brief encounter. Something about Sarah's demeanor unsettled him.
---
Hours passed, and soon the clock on his desk struck 6 p.m. Adrian packed up his things, reached for his phone, and dialed Olivea. The call rang several times before a familiar voice answered.
"Adrian! Sorry, my phone was charging," Olivea said cheerfully.
Adrian let out a sigh of relief. For a moment, he had worried. "It's alright. Listen, Olivea—I'll be home late tonight. I've already arranged for security at the villa, so don't worry. Please, call me if anything happens, alright?"
Olivea frowned slightly, though Adrian couldn't see her expression. "Late? Hmm, okay. I'll wait for you. Take care, Adrian."
"Good. I'll be back soon," he replied with a smile before hanging up.
Yet as she set her phone down, Olivea murmured softly to herself, "It's already late… where exactly is he going?"
Before she could dwell on the thought, her phone rang again. The name flashing on the screen made her eyes widen.
"Zoe?" She quickly picked up.
"Olivea!" Zoe's cheerful voice rang through the speaker. Laughter could be heard in the background—Emma's voice. "Guess what? We're in New York now!"
"What?! Since when?" Olivea exclaimed, struggling to believe it.
"Since yesterday," Zoe explained. "We didn't tell you earlier because of a mess at the airport. You wouldn't believe how terrible it was."
Olivea's expression softened with relief. "I'm just glad you're safe. So… are we meeting up?"
"Of course!" Zoe quickly sent her the location.
Without much hesitation, Olivea ordered an Uber. Outside, however, the security guard Adrian had hired dozed off inside the hut by the gate, oblivious to her departure.
When Olivea arrived, Zoe and Emma greeted her with wide smiles. The three embraced tightly before heading out for dinner and later, to a bustling nightclub. Music pulsed, lights flickered, and laughter filled the air as they enjoyed their reunion.
---
Meanwhile, Adrian drove toward the restaurant Sarah had mentioned. The setting sun painted the sky orange as he parked his car outside the familiar building. His chest tightened with unease, but he pushed it aside and stepped inside.
There she was—Sarah, already seated at a corner table. She waved with a bright smile, though her eyes carried an intensity that unsettled him.
"Adrian, you finally made it," she said, standing up to greet him. She leaned in and, to his discomfort, kissed his cheek lightly as though they were closer than they truly were.
Adrian forced a polite nod and took a seat across from her. "Sarah. I hope I didn't keep you waiting."
"Not at all," she replied smoothly, studying him with a gaze that felt almost predatory. "It's good to see you again."
Adrian shifted uncomfortably, already sensing that tonight would be far from an ordinary dinner.