Connor chose an upscale steakhouse an hour outside Riverdale. Private booths, dim lighting, the kind of place where deals were made and secrets were kept.
He stood when Valentina arrived, his smile practiced and perfect. "You look stunning."
"Thank you." She let him pull out her chair, every movement calculated. "What are we celebrating?"
"Patience." Connor ordered wine, expensive and red. "Let's enjoy the evening first."
They made small talk through appetizers, Connor charming and attentive. But Valentina could feel the tension underneath, like a wire pulled too tight.
Finally, over the main course, Connor set down his fork.
"I had a visitor today," he said. "Sierra. She seemed... agitated."
Valentina's pulse quickened, but she kept her expression neutral. "Oh?"
"She said you thre
