Jayden's POV
The aroma of fresh croissants and espresso filled my nostrils as I walked into Cate's upscale restaurant. The hostess smiled politely, guiding me toward the secluded booth tucked away in the back corner.
I should have refused this meeting outright. Hell, I didn't even know who I was supposed to be sitting across from.
Palmer had ambushed me in my office that morning, going on about some representative from Maria wanting a face-to-face meeting. Something about potential future collaborations. He claimed his schedule was packed, mine was already drowning in deadlines, but when I pointed out that I was the damn CEO, not his personal substitute, he hit me with that brotherly guilt trip.
"Just this once, Jayden. For me."
Against my better judgment, I'd agreed.
Now, walking toward that private booth, every instinct I possessed screamed danger.
As I reached the suite's entrance, something in the atmosphere shifted completely.
