Chapter 105

Angela POV

By the time David dropped me off, it was already 10 PM. When I'm with the kids in Italy, I'd usually be getting them tucked in right about now, then catching up on work.

But tonight, ever since I ran into Sean, I just couldn't relax. Olivia suggested we head to one of her favorite bars.

"If I'm lucky, I might run into this guy I've been crushing on! I'm definitely getting his number tonight!" Olivia said, practically buzzing with excitement.

I thought to myself, a drink tonight wouldn't hurt.

Just as Olivia and I were about to leave, David stopped me.

"Ms. Wilson."

I caught David Chen's concerned expression as he stood in the doorway of Olivia's brownstone, his forehead creased with worry.

"Ms. Wilson, the auction ended quite late. Is it really appropriate to go out at this hour?" he asked, his tone carefully respectful yet unmistakably disapproving.

Beside me, Olivia rolled her eyes dramatically. "Good heavens, David! It's barely ten o'clock. When did you become such an old fuddy-duddy? You're still young!"

I saw the tension in David's stance-his well-tailored suit couldn't hide his discomfort. Christopher had hired him to keep me safe, not to watch me venture out at night.

"It's not the time that concerns me, Ms. Harrison. It's your safety. Two women alone at night-"

"This is the Upper East Side of Manhattan," Olivia interrupted, adjusting her designer clutch. "There are security guards and cameras on every corner. We'll be perfectly fine."

I sighed, recognizing the futility of arguing when Olivia had that determined glint in her eye. Instead, I turned to David. "Please make sure Aria and Ethan are in bed by nine. And no more iPad time tonight, even if they beg."

"Of course, Ms. Wilson," David nodded respectfully. "I'll ensure they follow their routine."

"Come on!" Olivia tugged at my arm with childlike impatience. "We need to get there before it gets too crowded."

As the door closed behind us, I caught a glimpse of David already reaching for his phone. No doubt calling Christopher to report my whereabouts.

The thought should have irritated me, but instead, it brought an odd comfort-someone was watching out for my children while I indulged in this rare night out.

The Rain was exactly as exclusive as Olivia had described-understated luxury with a skilled jazz pianist playing softly in the corner.

Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the intimate space, and I found myself relaxing slightly as we settled into plush velvet chairs.

"What do you think?" Olivia asked proudly, gesturing around the room.

"It's lovely," I admitted, accepting a glass of sparkling water from a passing server. My gaze swept the room, unconsciously searching for familiar faces-a habit I'd developed since returning to New York.

"So, when does your mystery man usually appear?"

Olivia's excitement dimmed slightly. "It's getting late. I'm not sure he'll show up tonight."

"Don't be discouraged," I reached across to pat her hand reassuringly. "Let's call it a lucky draw. If he doesn't come, I'll keep you company for a while. The atmosphere is nice enough to sit and chat for an hour or two."

Olivia's eyes softened with affection. "Angela, you're such a good friend. We'll always be friends, won't we?"

Before I could respond, a tall man in an expensive suit approached our table, his confident stance announcing his intentions before he spoke.

I inwardly sighed, recognizing the type immediately from his designer suit and ostentatious watch-another wealthy show-off who thought his money made him irresistible.

"Excuse me, ladies. I couldn't help noticing you from across the room. May I join you?"

"Thank you for the offer, but we're having a private conversation," I replied with a polite smile that I kept deliberately cool.

"I only want to buy you a drink. Do you know how many women would kill for this opportunity?" he pressed, hovering at the edge of our table, his cologne overwhelming as he leaned in closer.

"I'm married. If you don't want my husband to beat you to a pulp and see your face plastered across tomorrow's tabloids, I suggest you leave right now," I stated coldly, my eyes never leaving his.

The man's face drained of color as he took a step back, his previous confidence evaporating instantly.

"My apologies," he stammered, adjusting his tie nervously. "I didn't realize who... I'll just go." He retreated hastily, nearly bumping into a waiter in his rush to escape our table.

As he walked away, Olivia laughed softly. "You've gotten much more direct these days. Five years ago, you would have made up some polite excuse."

"Directness saves time," I replied, sipping my water. "Especially now."

"Your husband？ Christopher?" Olivia asked, eyebrows raised suggestively. "He's clearly interested in you. You should consider giving yourself another chance at happiness."

I shook my head firmly. "Two children are more than enough for me. Taking care of the twins already consumes most of my energy."

The thought of my beautiful children brought a genuine smile to my face, softening my features.

"Speaking of genetically blessed children," Olivia leaned forward conspiratorially, "I wouldn't mind borrowing some genes from that gorgeous man I told you about. His features and presence are simply perfect."

Olivia's bold declaration made my hand jerk, spilling orange juice onto my white coat. "Damn it," I muttered, dabbing at the stain with a napkin.

"I better deal with this before it sets," I said, rising from my seat. "I'll be right back."

In the restroom, I carefully blotted the stain with damp paper towels, relieved to see it fading.

Satisfied with my cleaning efforts, I gathered my belongings and exited, rounding the corner toward the main lounge. My heart stopped.

Sean stood less than ten feet away, his tall frame unmistakable even in the dimly lit corridor.

He seemed to be heading toward the men's room, his normally precise movements slightly unsteady.

Five years melted away in an instant, and I felt as if all the oxygen had been sucked from the room.

I instinctively retreated, planning to hide in the women's restroom until he passed. I had nearly reached the door when a strong hand gripped my shoulder, spinning me around and pinning me against the wall.