Victor leads Lina across the terrace, weaving through small clusters of guests.
The music has softened into slow piano now, the rhythm blending with the distant hum of the city below.
Lina notices how easily the crowd parts for Victor.
People greet him.
Nod respectfully.
But he barely pauses.
His focus is somewhere else tonight.
When they reach the far side of the terrace, Elena is already waiting near the glass railing.
She stands alone, looking out over the skyline like a painting placed against the night.
When she hears their footsteps, she turns.
The red dress catches the light again, the elegant fabric moving gently around her as she steps toward them.
"Lina," Elena says smoothly.
Lina stops beside Victor.
"You wanted to speak with me?"
Elena smiles politely.
"Yes."
Her eyes briefly flick toward Victor.
"Privately."
Victor studies Elena for a moment.
Then he looks at Lina.
"You're fine?"
The question is quiet.
But protective.
Lina nods once.
"I'm fine."
Victor holds her gaze for a second longer.
Then he steps away, leaving them alone.
The moment he disappears into the crowd, Elena's polite expression changes slightly.
Not unfriendly.
But sharper.
More observant.
She studies Lina slowly.
"I didn't expect to see you again."
"Neither did I."
Elena folds her arms loosely.
"Chicago is a small world."
"So it seems."
For a moment neither woman speaks.
Then Elena tilts her head slightly.
"You look different."
Lina raises an eyebrow.
"Different how?"
"Calmer."
The word lands oddly.
Elena continues, her tone conversational.
"When Victor and I last spoke about you, he described you as… unpredictable."
Lina stiffens slightly.
"He talks about me?"
"Occasionally."
Elena smiles faintly.
"You left quite an impression."
Lina doesn't respond.
Elena steps closer, resting her hand lightly on the railing.
"You should know something about Victor."
Lina keeps her voice steady.
"I already know Victor."
Elena laughs softly.
"That's the problem."
The city wind moves around them, carrying the distant sound of traffic far below.
Elena turns toward Lina again.
"Victor doesn't let go of things easily."
"People aren't things."
Elena's eyes flicker with amusement.
"You're still brave."
Lina folds her arms slightly.
"What exactly are you trying to say?"
Elena's expression softens.
"I'm saying that if you're here tonight with someone new… you should be careful."
Lina's stomach tightens.
"Daniel?"
Elena shrugs lightly.
"He seems nice."
The pause that follows is deliberate.
"But Victor has never liked sharing."
Before Lina can respond, Elena straightens and smiles again.
The public version of her expression returns instantly.
"Anyway," she says lightly, "it was lovely meeting you."
And just like that, she walks away.
Leaving Lina alone with a strange weight in her chest.
Across the terrace, Daniel is standing near the bar when Victor approaches him.
Daniel notices him immediately.
"Mr. Hale."
Victor gestures toward the quieter corner beside the lounge seating.
"Walk with me."
The tone isn't rude.
But it isn't optional either.
Daniel follows.
They stop near the edge of the terrace where the music fades into the background.
For a moment neither man speaks.
Then Victor says calmly,
"You seem comfortable around Lina."
Daniel doesn't flinch.
"We work well together."
Victor studies him carefully.
"And outside of work?"
Daniel considers the question.
"We've been spending time together."
Victor nods slowly.
His expression gives nothing away.
"I see."
Daniel meets his gaze evenly.
"Is that a problem?"
Victor pauses before answering.
"No."
But the word carries weight.
"However," Victor continues calmly, "Lina's past here is… complicated."
Daniel folds his arms slightly.
"I gathered that."
Victor studies him a moment longer.
Then he says quietly,
"Some people mistake curiosity for opportunity."
Daniel's brow lifts slightly.
"And which one do you think I am?"
Victor's eyes narrow just a fraction.
"That's what I'm deciding."
The silence between them stretches.
Finally Daniel speaks.
"Are you warning me?"
Victor doesn't answer immediately.
Then he says simply,
"I'm advising you."
Daniel holds his gaze.
"I appreciate the concern."
The words are polite.
But firm.
Victor studies him another moment before stepping back.
"Enjoy the rest of the evening, Daniel."
Daniel nods.
"You too."
Victor walks away without another word.
But his mind isn't finished with the conversation.
Something about Daniel Carter has begun to bother him.
Not jealousy.
Not quite.
Something else.
Something familiar.
And Victor Hale has built his entire life on one simple rule:
When something feels wrong ,investigate it.