Once they were seated inside the private tatami room, the noise of the outside world seemed to fade away completely.
A young woman in a pale kimono entered without a sound, her movements light and practiced as she set the tea tray down between them. The room was refined and tranquil, cedar panels lining the walls, the faint aroma of tea leaves lingering in the air and settling gently in Isabella's senses.
They ordered two sets of traditional kaiseki cuisine along with two king crabs, the kind of meal meant to be savored slowly rather than rushed.
Victor Steele lifted his teacup just as his phone rang. He answered without hesitation, his posture relaxed yet authoritative.
"Mm. I understand," he said calmly. "Push the dinner with the Hughes Group back."
Isabella's gaze flickered up briefly before she lowered it again.
