Chapter 1 - The Warning Note
The exclusive luxury Manhattan restaurant was a cinematic masterpiece of immense wealth and high-stakes secrets. Dim, warm ambient lighting reflected off pristine white tablecloths and heavy crystal glasses. A grand piano played softly in the background, while massive floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the glittering, rainy city skyline.
Sitting at the absolute best table in the center of the room was Roman Bellamy. He was a fiercely imposing, broad-shouldered man in his forties wearing a custom-tailored black suit. He had short silver hair, and dark, intimidating tattoos crept up his neck, disappearing beneath his crisp white collar.
Roman was the most dangerous, highly perceptive crime lord in the entire city.
But right now, he was sitting directly in the crosshairs of an assassination attempt.
Tessa, a twenty-something server wearing a white button-down shirt and a black apron, walked smoothly up to his table. Her brown hair was pinned in a loose updo. She looked entirely professional, but beneath her calm exterior, she was absolutely, breathlessly terrified.
Without breaking stride, Tessa poured sparkling water into Roman’s glass. As she pulled her hand away, she casually, flawlessly slipped a small, folded white receipt directly under his heavy crystal whiskey glass.
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"Would you like me to hold the second course?" Tessa asked quietly, her voice perfectly steady despite her racing heartbeat.
👉 How will the terrifying crime lord react to the hidden message?
