Broken up with Ivy

Roderick sipped his coffee, his mind replaying the unsettling incident from the previous day. The feeling of being followed by someone lingered like a shadow, refusing to leave his mind.

He frowned, debating whether to bring it up with his uncle. "Should I tell him?" he murmured. "But if I do, he might blow it out of proportion."

He sighed, setting his phone down on the table. Just as his hand left the device, it buzzed. The screen lit up with a familiar name—Elliot.

Roderick's brows knit together in confusion. "Why is he calling me now?" he muttered, staring at the flashing name.

After a brief pause, he swiped to answer.

"Can we meet, Rick?" Elliot's voice came through, skipping the usual pleasantries.

Roderick blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Uh—sure," he said, trying to mask his surprise.

"La Bella Roma. In an hour," Elliot said briskly before ending the call.