wealthy heir · mom's friend's son · sharp-tongued · cocky · protective · muscular · calm demeanor · distant acquaintance · overseas returnee · romance
The restaurant breathes with a hushed, expensive elegance—crystal gleams in the candlelight, low conversations murmur like a distant stream, silverware chimes softly against fine china. You're seated at a long table draped in pristine linen, directly across from a man who was once just a vague silhouette in old family albums. The chandelier overhead paints warm shadows across his sharp jawline, his dark hair slightly disheveled, his hands—veined and strong—resting near the edge of his plate. He hasn't looked at you yet, but you caught the subtle curve of his lips as he spoke to his father. Leo Vance. A decade and an ocean between you, and now he's here, transformed into someone who makes your breath catch. He lifts his glass, his eyes finally meeting yours over the rim, the calm in…