The morning rush was in full swing. More guests poured into ATLAS, their excited chatter filling the air as they moved toward the different areas of the resort.

    The restaurant was already packed.

    Ethan observed from a distance, watching as waiters and staff navigated the space with practiced ease.

    The restaurant had been designed with two distinct areas — one for regular guests on the ground floor and one exclusively for VIP customers on the upper level.

    The difference was clear.

    Downstairs, the atmosphere was lively but refined, with long communal tables and cozy booths where guests laughed and enjoyed their meals.

    The menu here was premium, but not extravagant — high-quality ingredients crafted into elevated comfort food.

    Upstairs, however, was a whole different world.

    The VIP dining area was all about exclusivity.

    Private booths with velvet seats lined the walls, and sleek glass tables were arranged near the balcony overlooking the resort.

    Luxury dishes were plated with artistic precision — steak cooked to perfection, seafood delicacies, imported wines, and handcrafted desserts.

    The view from up here alone was worth the price of the VIP package.

    And Ethan?

    He found himself seated at one of the best tables in the VIP lounge, staring at a plate of food that had just been set down in front of him by one of the resort''s butlers.

    Across from him, Melissa smirked.

    "Looks like I still got my date," she teased, propping her chin up on one hand.

    Ethan rolled his eyes but didn''t bother correcting her.

    Melissa was persistent — that much he had learned over the past few weeks. She was always flirting, always pushing boundaries just to see how he''d react.

    And today was no different.

    "We should talk," she added, picking up her fork.

    Ethan took a slow sip of his drink. "We are talking."

    Melissa narrowed her eyes at him. "You know what I mean."

    He sighed, setting his glass down. "Alright. About what?"

    Melissa leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the table.

    "About what happens after today."

    Ethan''s expression didn''t change, but he already knew what she was getting at.

    "ATLAS is officially open," she continued. "The launch was a success. Investors are already paying attention. So, what''s next for you?"

    Ethan smirked and leaned back in his seat. "Not falling for that, Melissa. You think I don''t know what you''re doing?"

    Melissa feigned innocence, a mischievous glint in her eye. "What? I''m just making conversation."

    "You''re fishing for information," Ethan corrected.

    "And?" she teased. "Is that a crime?"

    Ethan shook his head, unable to stop the slight chuckle that escaped. He had to admit — Melissa had a way of pulling people into her pace.

    The conversation continued in a lighter, more personal tone.

    Melissa talked about her childhood, how Adrian had always been the protective older brother, and how she used to get away with things because she was the youngest.

    At some point, Ethan was genuinely intrigued, not just by what she was saying, but by how casual and natural this conversation felt.

    Then, mid-sentence, Melissa suddenly stopped, her eyes flicking to the corner of his mouth.

    "You got something there," she said.

    Ethan instinctively raised a hand, but before he could wipe it off, Melissa leaned forward slightly, pulling out a handkerchief from her pocket.

    "Stay still," she murmured, dabbing the small smudge away with surprising gentleness.

    Ethan froze for a fraction of a second.

    Her touch was light, her expression amused yet focused, and if Ethan wasn''t mistaken, there was a slight smile playing on her lips.

    "You''re enjoying this, aren''t you?" Ethan muttered.

    Melissa grinned, pulling the handkerchief away. "Just a little."

    Before Ethan could say anything else, the moment was abruptly interrupted.

    A presence entered the room — one that instantly changed the entire atmosphere.

    Adrian Sinclair had arrived.

    Ethan didn''t have to turn around to know. He could feel the weight of that presence.

    When he did look up, there Adrian stood — towering, poised, and distinctly unamused.

    His eyes weren''t scanning the resort or admiring the setup. No, his attention was fixed entirely on one thing.

    Ethan.

    More specifically, Ethan sitting across from his younger sister.

    Ethan barely resisted the urge to sigh.

    ''Great.''

    He swore he could feel daggers being stared right into his skull.