Amara stared at the dark phone screen for a second before slipping it back into her purse with an exhausted sigh.
Then she finally walked deeper into the restaurant.
The inside was even more luxurious than the exterior.
Silver lights reflected softly across the sleek marble floors. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls surrounded the restaurant, while modern silver décor and soft white lighting gave the entire place a luxurious, almost unreal atmosphere. Quiet piano music drifted through the air, blending with the low murmur of conversations.
There weren’t many people inside. Only a few tables were occupied, making the atmosphere feel private and intimate.
Amara instinctively smoothed her dress down nervously before following the table number Juliet had sent her.
Her heels clicked softly against the floor as she walked deeper into the restaurant.
Then suddenly—
Her steps slowed.
Maverick was already standing near the table, one hand resting casually in his pocket.
The moment Amara saw him clearly, she nearly stopped walking altogether.
He was dressed simply, yet somehow still looked expensive. A fitted light blue full-sleeved zipper shirt stretched across his broad shoulders and muscular chest, paired with black pants tailored perfectly to his long legs.
His tall, broad frame carried an effortless intimidation, and his dark hair fell loosely around his nape like a wild mane. The sharp stubble covering his jaw only made him look rougher, colder.
Her eyes instinctively drifted toward his hand that rested loosely at his side.
A platinum ring rested on the middle finger of his left hand, and dark black tattoos started beneath the ring before climbing slowly up his wrist and disappearing under the sleeves of his shirt. Even though most of it remained hidden, Amara could already tell the tattoos stretched much higher — probably across his arms, chest, and body.
The tattoos, the jewelry, the calm posture… everything about him gave off a cold, rebellious energy that instantly stood out even in a room full of rich people.
The last time she had seen him was at a party more than a year ago.
Back then, he had been standing beside Elias, laughing freely with a drink in his hand while the two of them laughed at something.
But that easy smile that used to be on Maverick’s face was gone now.
Like life had carved the warmth out of him and left behind only the dangerous edges.
Then, as if sensing her stare, Maverick lifted his head.
Their eyes met instantly.
She straightened at once, a faint polite smile forming on her lips as she resumed walking toward him.
And he simply stared.
Silent.
The intensity of his gaze immediately caught her off guard. He did not smile. Did not greet her. Didn’t even blink for a second as his dark eyes stayed fixed on her face.
For some reason, the way he looked at her made her nervous.
The air between them suddenly felt heavy.
She forced a smile onto her face before stopping in front of him.
“Maverick?” she asked softly.
