The next evening, Lena hoped the encounter had meant nothing.
But when she arrived at work, the manager rushed toward her nervously.
"Lena… Mr. Moretti asked for you."
Her stomach dropped.
"For me?"
"Yes. Private lounge."
The private lounge was where the most powerful deals happened.
Where people made promises.
Or disappeared.
Her hands trembled as she walked down the dim hallway.
Two bodyguards opened the door.
Inside, Dante sat alone on a leather couch.
He looked even more intimidating in silence.
He gestured for her to sit.
She stayed standing.
"You asked for me?"
His eyes softened slightly.
"I did."
"Why?"
He studied her again.
"Because you're different."
Lena almost laughed.
"I serve drinks."
"You look at people like you're trying to understand them."
His voice was calm, almost thoughtful.
"That's rare."
She didn't know how to answer.
Silence filled the room.
Then he said something unexpected.
"Have dinner with me."
Her eyes widened.
"Is that an order?"
A small smile appeared.
"No."
"Then… no."
The bodyguards stiffened.
Nobody said no to Dante Moretti.
But instead of anger, he laughed softly
"You're brave."
"I'm careful."
He leaned forward.
"Careful people survive in my world."
She should have walked away.
But something about him pulled her closer.
Dangerous.
Magnetic.
And before she realized it…
She had agreed to dinner.