No acknowledgement

(ARIELLE'S POV)

7pm, the Grand Imperial Hotel.

"You've got to pull yourself together," I said to myself, splashing cold water on my face.

The afternoon had passed in a blur-probably because my mind kept drifting.

Stephen had handled everything, and I arrived 20 minutes early. Now, I found myself here, stuck in this awkward limbo.

How hard could it be? Negotiate with dealers, help clients solve problems, assist blind dates, and maybe catch my ex-husband in the act?

"If I get through tonight, I'm buying a lottery ticket," I murmured, a bitter smile crossing my lips.

I checked the time again, then left the bathroom, taking a seat closer to the table with the sea view.

That's when I spotted Margaux, the young woman supposedly the Harrisons' granddaughter, waiting for her date.

She looked delicate, calm, almost ethereal in a beautiful blue dress-something straight out of a French film. She had this quiet, classical elegance about her. It was hard to believe she was the rebellious granddaughter the Harrisons had mentioned.

Her long, curly dark hair cascaded down her back, and I caught the glint of her bright blue eyes. She seemed irritated, though, her gaze sharp, as if she'd rather be anywhere else, and I couldn't blame her.

I continued to watch, glancing every so often at the entrance. What I only felt was an odd sense of anxiety, unsure if I was waiting for something to happen, or trying to avoid it.

All the memories of our recent fight, our past struggles-flashed in my mind. Six years of turmoil. I wasn't anyone to him anymore. Just his ex-wife. That's all.

Except for Maverick. I still needed to talk to him, explain why his father hadn't been around lately.

it go. I should allow him to let it go. I really should. If that's his

And then, he arrived.

Margaux's date.

throat as I watched him walk in-charming, tall, sophisticated in a black suit, his hair neatly styled. And his

It wasn't Jared.

if how I felt, but I

way about him not being Jared,

short-lived when I saw... Ashley suddenly appeared from behind the

about, calling him a workaholic. I hadn't expected him to be

with the man's appearance or personality. Instead, she quipped, "Do you bring

simply nodding in agreement. Ashley shot him an exasperated look, as if his

I couldn't help but chuckle under my breath at the growing awkward tension. I made a mental

her head and sighed softly. "That's why I always think arranged dates are so boring. Nobody

as if on cue, she turned gently in my direction. "And what about you? Do you hear

boss turned to look at me. Ashley's

to seem rude by remaining seated, I stood

"Hello..." I greeted awkwardly.

lady they can't stop talking about. These old fellows always worry about me. I'm only

who had remained silent up until now, finally spoke, his tone

to say. Margaux's irritation flared, but Ashley quickly stepped in,

introduce ourselves?" she

but it was obvious the energy behind

wasn't genuine.

help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all, as I watched them. But none of us refuted, and we agreed to the idea, the route of us officially exchanging

your target tonight," she said with an amused glance in my direction before turning to the man. "And your guest, supposedly," she added, her voice polite, though the coldness in her eyes was hard to miss. "Roman McFadden," Ashley's boss

for a moment. No wonder

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