“I’m calling my wife before this guy clears us out. More bodies mean more money!”

The restaurant hummed with anticipation as people positioned themselves for Merlin’s generosity.

Steam rose from the kitchen where Hailee was perfecting a batch of spaghetti. When the commotion reached her ears, she bolted from her station, and upon learning about the VIP’s arrival, she rushed out of the restaurant to investigate.

The human wall around Merlin’s Bentley parted like the Red Sea as Hailee approached.

Hailee’s face lit up with excitement as she assumed Elliana had arrived. She jogged toward the vehicle with infectious enthusiasm.

As she approached, the tinted car window descended with mechanical precision.

“Ell—” The name died on Hailee’s lips. Merlin’s familiar features materialized where she’d expected to see her friend. Her radiant smile crumbled into confusion, and heat flooded her cheeks as she stood frozen, wondering what force had brought him here. Merlin studied her through the glass barrier, words forming and dissolving on his tongue as the crowd pressed closer.

Tension stretched between them like a taut wire.

The locals grew restless around them.

“Hailee, what’s the holdup? Roll out the red carpet for our guest!”

“We’ve been cooling our heels forever, and finally, another deep pocket shows up at your joint. Get him inside so he can start handing out the compensation for the inconvenience his booking the whole restaurant costs!”

Embarrassment painted Hailee’s face crimson. She had no script for this moment, no way to explain the complicated history that made this encounter so charged. Her gaze darted between the expectant faces and Merlin’s penetrating stare before she leaned closer to ask why he’d come.

But Merlin spoke first, his voice carrying genuine curiosity. “What’s the compensation about?”

Hailee dropped her voice to barely above a whisper. “Mr. Evans once showed up hunting for Elliana a while back. He slipped everyone ten grand to clear out and give them privacy.”

Discover the chapters at g?l?ν?s?.

Understanding dawned in Merlin’s eyes, and he nodded slowly. He turned to Lucas in the passenger seat with quiet authority. “Handle it the same way.”

Lucas emerged from the vehicle with military efficiency, flanked by two stone-faced bodyguards who retrieved a bulging suitcase from the trunk.

Cash filled every available inch of the case.

Lucas addressed the gathered crowd with practiced professionalism. “Ladies and gentlemen, my employer would appreciate some privacy to sample your local cuisine. Perhaps you could find alternative dining arrangements for this evening?”

Hungry eyes tracked the suitcase as the bodyguards positioned themselves, and the crowd practically vibrated with anticipation.

“You bet! Rich folks need their space—we’ve been through this dance before!”

“Absolutely, we know the drill. VIPs always appreciate those who understand the game.”

.

.

.