◆◆◆ Chapter 16 ◆◆◆
~ Niklaus Henderson ~
I arrived at Le Ciel thirty minutes early.
The restaurant occupied the top floor of one of my own buildings—private dining, floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking the glittering sprawl of Los Angeles at night, tables spaced far enough apart for secrets to stay secret. I’d reserved the corner booth with the best view and the most privacy: candles flickering in low holders, a single red rose in a crystal vase, bottle of Château Margaux breathing on the table, decanter already open so the wine could open up fully before she arrived. The entire space felt like a confession booth disguised as luxury—quiet, intimate, impossible to lie in.
I wore black—tailored suit, no tie, top button undone. Simple. Controlled. The way I always dressed when I wante
