The pristine glass façade of the Meridian Crown gleamed under the midday sun, standing as a premier symbol of old-world luxury and modern corporate status. For decades, the establishment had catered exclusively to the city's upper crust—dynastic families, high-ranking politicians, and tech barons. It was a place where entry wasn't merely a matter of having a reservation; it was about the face you brought to the door.
Elias smoothly pulled the sleek, silver Audi R8 into the VIP driveway, the low, predatory rumble of the high-performance V10 engine drawing subtle looks from the valet staff. Jake stepped out, adjusting the lapels of his tailored blazer. The splitting migraine that had blacked him out only fifteen minutes prior had receded into a dull, rhythmic throb behind his left eye, but the lingering physical exhaustion left him craving a quiet meal before he faced the hospital bureaucracy for Aliya's discharge.
