Chapter 12: Ryan's Teasing

Elina’s POV

We walked into a cafe, and Ryan picked a table by the window. I sat across from him, adjusting my blazer to make it clear I meant business. My notebook rested on my lap, and I tapped it lightly with my pen, waiting.

“How do you like your coffee?” Ryan asked as he called over a barista.

“I’m good, thanks,” I said.

Ryan raised an eyebrow at me. "You can't come to a café and not have coffee. That's like going to a concert blindfolded."

"To be clear," I said in my most professional tone. "I followed you here to discuss the artifacts Isaac asked me to consult you about."

"No," he countered with a knowing smirk. "You followed me here because you're catty - always curious about things that don't concern you. Now the real question is, who's feeding that curiosity of yours?"

"There's no feeder," I replied evenly.