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Sawyer’s head snapped to Henry. “Seriously?” His raised brow showed both disbelief and irritation.
Henry offered an apologetic grin. “That’s what Mr. Elliot requested.”
Sawyer closed his eyes, exhaling through gritted teeth. “For fuck’s sake. Of all places, he picks this for a work meeting?” Muttering a curse under his breath, he marched toward the restaurant.
As the doors opened, Sawyer froze momentarily, his eyes scanning the room. Naked men were everywhere, serving tables with confident smirks. The clientele consisted almost entirely of women, and the restaurant was packed. For a place that had just opened, Elliot’s business was already booming.
Sawyer turned to Henry as they walked further inside. "I asked you to make a perfume for Ellie. Is it ready?"
"Yes, Mr. Stark," Henry replied promptly. "Exactly as per your design. It’s customized to your exact instructions. The perfumer also said he’d be happy to make any changes if needed." He pulled a small box from his pocket and handed it over.
Sawyer flipped open the box. Inside was a stunning baby pink perfume bottle with a black bow cap. The scent hit him instantly—an intoxicating blend of jasmine and orange, sultry yet soft.
Ellie wore a perfume similar to this every day, but she constantly talked about wanting a specific scent just for herself, one that no one else had. He had memorized every little detail she mentioned.
And now, this scent—intense yet delicate, seductive yet familiar—was unmistakably Ellie.
“She’s going to kiss me out of happiness when she sees this.” A soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he imagined her reaction.
Closing the box, he slid it into his pocket. As he looked up, Elliot descended the stairs with his signature wide grin.
“You’re here! I thought you’d show up around midnight or something. It’s already past dinner time.”
“Busy with work,” Sawyer muttered, offering a faint smile.
"I get it." Elliot rolled his eyes, gesturing to the bustling restaurant. "What do you think? Is this place gonna make some girls go crazy or gonna be a fail soon?"
Sawyer glanced around the packed room. “Do you even need my answer after an opening night like this?”
Elliot shoved his hands in his pockets, his grin widening. "Being gay has its perks—knowing exactly what girls want to see."
"Anything else you want to discuss about business?" Sawyer asked, glancing briefly at Henry. "If it’s about finances or other details, just tell Henry, and he’ll handle it."
Elliot chuckled, stepping closer. "Yeah, there’s that. But I’ve got a surprise for you, too."
Sawyer’s brows knitted. “What surprise?”
“Look over there.” Elliot’s grin turned mischievous as he pointed at the second set of stairs toward the end of the restaurant.
Sawyer followed Elliot’s gesture.
A stunning woman descended from the stairs gracefully, dressed in tight jeans and a plunging top with a chic jacket. She carried a Chanel bag on her arm and dripped wealth from her sparkling necklace to her diamond-studded earrings.
It was Olivia.
Sawyer stared blankly at the crowd for a moment before his lips parted, and eyes widened in shock. At once, he strode toward the busy center of the restaurant, his hands leaving his pockets.
Olivia’s smile brightened as she saw him approach. She opened her arms, ready to greet him. But Sawyer walked right past her without so much as a glance.
Chapter 5 An Accident
Confused, Olivia’s arms dropped mid-motion, her expression faltering.
Sawyer headed straight to a table where a waiter had just served food. Ellie sat there, her face still alight with a dreamy smile as she stared at the retreating waiter’s muscular back.
"Ellie?!" Sawyer’s sharp voice snapped through the noise.
Ellie jumped in shock, the fork slipping from her fingers and clattering to the floor. Her heart leapt to her throat as she looked up, startled to find Sawyer towering over her.