Respect on the Menu

The hostess led us through the packed restaurant, each step heightening my anxiety. This place screamed wealth—from the crystal chandeliers to the perfectly pressed uniforms of the staff. I felt out of place despite the dress Chloe had insisted I wear.

I stumbled slightly when I spotted them across the room.

Julian and Camille.

Of all the restaurants in this city, we had to end up at the same one as my ex-mate and his fiancée? My stomach twisted into knots. Julian's eyes met mine, narrowing with that possessive gleam I'd grown to hate.

Tristan's hand found the small of my back, steadying me. "Are you okay?"

I nodded stiffly, unable to form words. The hostess continued leading us through the restaurant, thankfully in the opposite direction from Julian's table. But my relief was short-lived.

"Tristan! What a surprise!"

Camille's voice cut through the ambient chatter. She was walking toward us, dragging a visibly annoyed Julian with her.