Soft piano music drifted through the air. Tables were spaced generously apart, each decorated with fresh white lilies and flickering candles.
Harold sat at a table near the large glass windows overlooking the city.
He wore a tailored suit, but his posture was anything but relaxed. His jaw was tight. His expression was strained. He was absently playing with the straw in his glass, spinning it between his fingers.
Across from him sat a woman dressed elegantly, leaning forward enthusiastically, talking nonstop.
Harold looked… trapped.
Each time the woman laughed, his expression grew more forced.
More irritated.
Emma’s lips curved faintly.
Just as she began walking further inside—
Her shoulder suddenly collided with someone.
“Ah—!”
She instinctively reached forward to steady the other person before they could fall.
Their eyes met.
It was Hannah.
For a brief second, both women froze in surprise.
Then Hannah’s face broke into a bright smile.
“Emma? Oh my god, what are you doing here?” Hannah said excitedly, straightening her purse on her shoulder. “I didn’t expect to see you at a restaurant like this!”
Emma composed herself quickly, smoothing her expression into polite neutrality.
Hannah’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “I can’t believe we ran into each other like this! You’re always so busy. I usually only see you at auctions.”
Emma tilted her head slightly.
A polite smile appeared on her lips.
“I’m sorry,” she said smoothly. “Do I know you?”
Hannah blinked, slightly flustered, but quickly recovered.
“I’ve heard so much about your auction house,” she explained. “I’ve even purchased several pieces—well, my assistants did. But I absolutely love your collections. The items you curate are always so rare. I cherish them.”
Emma nodded graciously, her expression composed.
“That’s wonderful to know,” Emma’s smile was poised, elegant.
She extended her hand. “Now that we’ve properly met, I’m Emma Creed. And you are…?”
Hannah looked almost breathless.
She quickly took Emma’s hand with both of hers, shaking it eagerly, as if she had just been acknowledged by a celebrity she admired from afar.
“I’m Hannah Graves,” she said brightly.
