The late afternoon sunlight spilled gently through the tall windows of the upscale restaurant, casting soft beams that warmed the polished wood floors and leather seats. The air carried a quiet buzz of conversations low voices blending with the occasional clink of glasses and the soft, soothing notes of jazz playing in the background. It was a place designed for power players, where whispered deals shaped futures and secrets were carefully guarded.
In the private VIP section, hidden from the prying eyes of most patrons, Darius Thorn sat opposite a business associate. The man was dressed in a finely tailored suit, his features drawn with tired curiosity, eyes flicking between Darius and the surroundings as if waiting for some revelation.
They spoke in muted tones, careful not to attract a
