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“Can you believe we did it?” Cassia said, looking around the restaurant.

“Yes,” Kris said. “We worked hard. We committed to our goal…”

“We did, didn’t we?” She laughed as she drank the last of her wine.

But then Kris stiffened. “They’re coming.”

“Shifters make such good early warning systems,” Cassia said as she took his glass and headed toward the kitchen.

Hugo held up his hands. He must have sensed the approaching vehicle, too. “Okay, celebration time later! Now we need to get back to work. Guests will be here soon!”

Everyone sprang into action, each heading to their tasks. Kris positioned himself near the front entrance, taking a deep, steadying breath. Soon, cars began pulling into the parking lot, and the guests entered the restaurant with smiles of anticipation. Kris greeted them warmly, introducing himself, proud of how impressed they seemed by the restaurant’s intimate, inviting atmosphere.

“It’s happening,” Cassia said as she came to join him.

“I just hope everyone enjoys their evening,” Kris said. Cassia had used all her best contacts to invite a slew of influential food critics and journalists. This evening might make or break the restaurant’s reputation.

“Relax, our chef is the best. The ingredients are fresh and flavorful. It’s going to be okay.” She reached for his hand and squeezed it.

Then Cassia stiffened suddenly next to him, her eyes wide with shock as one particular couple approached. A smartly dressed woman, Kris recognized her as a renowned food critic, with a handsome man with hawkish features on her arm.

“Who is it?” Kris leaned down and hissed into Cassia’s ear.

“Dante,” Cassia murmured, so low he thought he’d misheard her. But the tension threading through her body told him otherwise.

So this was him. Dante. Cassia’s ex-fiancé. The man who’d shattered her heart.

Kris’s bear let out a low, dangerous growl, his muscles tensing instinctively.What is he doing here?

Nothing good,Kris replied as Dante smiled, his eyes cold as he extended his hand to Cassia.

Cassia hesitated for a second before she slipped her hand into his. “Dante.”

“Cassia,” Dante said smoothly, lifting her hand to his lips, his eyes locked onto hers. “It’s been too long.” His gaze flickered downward to the ring, his finger tracing the edge of the diamonds. “This is new.”

Cassia quickly pulled her hand away, glancing nervously at Kris. “I didn’t expect to see you here,” Cassia said stiffly, professional but guarded. “I’m certain I would recall sending you an invitation.”

“And there was I thinking it must have been lost in the post,” Dante replied coolly, glancing around the restaurant with a smug tilt of his lips. “But thankfully, Molly here… You do remember Molly, don’t you?”

“I do. Hello, Molly,” Cassia said with a nod to the other woman.

“Cassia,” Molly nodded. “Dante would not stop pestering me to be my plus one once he heard I had an invitation.” Molly glanced at Dante. “But he has promised to be on his best behavior,”

“Did you check if he knows what that means?” Cassia asked with an arched eyebrow.

“No, I did not,” Molly said and then kissed Cassia on each cheek. “But I promise to neuter him if he causes trouble. The place does look fabulous.”

“I hope you enjoy your evening,” Cassia said magnanimously.

Anger bubbled under Kris’s skin, but he forced himself to remain calm, his arm tightening around Cassia’s waist protectively. Kris said tersely, “Enjoy your evening.”

“It speaks!” Dante replied, eyes glinting as he followed his companion into the dining area.

Cassia released a shaky breath, looking up at Kris with anxious eyes. “I didn’t know…”

“I know,” Kris reassured gently, brushing a thumb over her cheek. “Don’t worry, he cannot spoil the evening.”

Because if he dares try, I will tear his head from his shoulders,his bear ground out.