Chapter 1 - THE NAPKIN
The restaurant was the kind of place where people whispered even when they had nothing to hide.
Soft golden lights reflected from crystal glasses, polished silverware, and dark wooden tables.
At a corner table overlooking the city, Ethan Cole sat across from a woman named Claire Morgan.
Ethan wore a perfectly tailored navy suit.
Claire wore an elegant burgundy dress that made her look confident and sophisticated.
For the first hour, everything seemed perfect.
Ethan smiled at her between courses.
Claire laughed softly at his stories.
When the waiter poured them another glass of wine, Ethan raised his glass.
"To new beginnings," he said.
Claire smiled.
"To new beginnings."
Neither of them noticed the waiter hesitate when he placed the final envelope beside Ethan's plate.
Ethan glanced at it.
His smile disappeared.
Claire noticed the change immediately.
"What is it?"
"Nothing."
He opened the envelope.
Inside was the restaurant bill.
It was far higher than either of them expected.
Claire looked toward the table.
"We can split it."
Ethan stared at her.
Then he folded the bill carefully.
His expression became strangely cold.
He slid the folded napkin across the table.
Claire looked at it, confused.
"What's that?"
Ethan leaned back.
"You."
She blinked.
"What?"
"You're paying this bill."
His voice was quiet.
Claire thought he was joking.
Then Ethan stood.
The chair scraped loudly against the floor.
Nearby conversations stopped.
Claire stared up at him.
His face was no longer charming.
May you like
It was furious.
And for the first time that evening, Claire realized she might not know the man sitting across from her at all.
