Collateral

Meanwhile, in a bar in the red district of Anteca…

Finn sat on a stool at the bar counter, holding a glass of rum. He swirled the glass in his hand, his eyes fixed on it.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice as a woman sat in the chair beside him.

Hearing that, Finn couldn't help but chuckle, as that casual inquiry was exactly what was on his mind: Penny. That person was in his thoughts.

Slowly, Finn turned his head to catch sight of a beautiful woman in smart casual attire. "Cassandra."

"I heard that your fiancée broke off your engagement," Cassandra remarked, raising a finger at the bartender to order a cocktail. She fluttered her long eyelashes, her eyes falling on Finn. "It's sad news. Are you okay?"

"Is that a question out of pure concern, or was it meant to mock me?"

"Both." Cassandra shrugged. "You broke off our engagement, so hearing that you were dumped makes me happy."