Chapter 285

On the second floor of the restaurant, near the wide window, Rogan stood with a cigarette between his fingers. Smoke curled lazily around him as he looked down without much interest. Then his eyes paused. He leaned slightly forward and tilted his chin toward the street below. “Hey,” he said, glancing sideways at Jabco, who was beside him. “Isn’t that your secretary?” Jabco frowned and followed Rogan’s gaze. Down there, near the crowded food stall, Riyana sat at a small table. She was laughing, her head tilted slightly as she spoke to the man across from her. It was the same man. The one he had seen her with before. Jabco’s eyes darkened without him realizing it. The street below was loud and alive. Voices, laughter, clattering plates. The smell of spices floated in the air. Riyana lifted her hand and gently pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The movement was small, careless, natural. The evening light softened her pale skin, making it glow in a way Jabco had never really not