Chapter 7

He stood there in an impeccable suit, his face shrouded in shadow, making his expression unreadable.

I instinctively took two steps back as he pushed open the door and entered.

"Blaine, long time no see."

His voice was still gentle, as if we were merely old friends reuniting after a long absence.

Suppressing the fear welling up inside me, I spoke coldly.

"Mason, how did you find this place?"

He chuckled softly, glancing around the room.

"Nice little shop you've got here."

"I'm somewhat relieved to see you've been doing well lately."

"No thanks to you," I said sarcastically.

"Tired of gourmet cuisine and luxury mansions? Decided to slum it with us commoners for a change?"

Mason's expression froze for a split second before quickly returning to normal.

"Blaine, I can explain..."

Just then, Alec walked in through the back door.

I shot him a cold look, and he guiltily averted his gaze.

"So Mason hired you, huh?"

"Blaine, I'm sorry."