Chapter 111 The Wrong Sister
The car pulled up to the Etland Building.
Caspian stared out the window at the glass tower rising above him. His jaw was tight. His hands were clenched on his knees.
He did not want to be here.
Yesterday, he had been humiliated here. Chased away by security. Mocked by Xavier Lala and also dismissed by Veyra.
He had vowed never to return.
But business was business. And Professor Sterling had insisted.
"Come," the old man had said. "I’ll introduce you to someone who can help you. Someone who knows everyone in this city."
Caspian had agreed. He had no choice.
Xiomara sat beside him. She was wearing a fitted black dress. Her hair was perfectly styled. Her makeup was flawless.
She looked like she belonged.
Caspian did not.
He stepped out of the car. The doorman greeted him. Caspian ignored him.
Professor Sterling was waiting in the lobby. He wore a tweed jacket and a warm smile.
"Caspian! Xiomara! So glad you could make it."
Caspian forced a smile. "Thank you for inviting us, Professor."
Xiomara stepped forward. She kissed Sterling on both cheeks. "Professor. It’s so good to see you."
Sterling beamed. "You look lovely, Xiomara. As always."
They rode the elevator to the 101st floor.
The doors opened. The restaurant was breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers. Marble floors. A pianist playing softly in the corner.
Xiomara’s eyes widened. She had been here before, but the view never failed to impress.
Sterling led them toward a private dining room. He paused at the door.
"Xiomara," he said quietly. "I need to warn you about something."
Xiomara’s brow furrowed. "What?"
"The man we’re meeting. Wesley Wynn. He owns this restaurant."
"I know."
"He’s charming. Polished. But don’t let that fool you." Sterling’s voice dropped. "He’s ruthless. He’s a businessman first and a person second. Stay on his good side. Don’t cross him."
Xiomara nodded slowly. "I understand."
Sterling smiled. "Good. Now let’s go inside."
The private dining room was warm. Intimate.
Wesley Wynn was already seated at the table. He wore a charcoal suit. His hair was perfect. His smile was pleasant.
He stood when they entered.
"Professor Sterling. So good to see you." He shook Sterling’s hand. Then his eyes moved to Xiomara.
His smile flickered. Just a fraction.
"Xiomara," he said. "What a surprise."
Xiomara blinked. "You know me?"
"I know of you. You’re Veyra’s half-sister."
Her face went rigid. Her composure cracked.
"Veyra," she repeated. The name tasted bitter.
"Yes." Wesley’s voice was smooth. "She’s a fascinating woman. I’ve been getting to know her recently."
Xiomara’s jaw tightened. She forced a smile.
"That’s... nice," she said.
Wesley turned to Caspian. "And you must be Caspian Thorne."
Caspian extended his hand. "Yes."
Wesley shook it. His grip was firm. Brief.
"I’ve heard a lot about you," Wesley said. "Most of it from Veyra."
Caspian’s face went red. "Is that so?"
"She speaks highly of you." Wesley’s smile was thin. "In her own way."
Caspian said nothing.
Xiomara stepped between them. Her voice was bright. Forced.
"Shall we sit? I’m so looking forward to this dinner."
Wesley gestured to the table. "Of course. Please."
They sat down. The waiters appeared with menus. Wine lists. Bread.
Xiomara leaned forward. Her voice was soft. "Mr. Wynn. I’ve heard so much about you. Your reputation precedes you."
Wesley raised an eyebrow. "Does it?"
"Absolutely. Everyone says you’re the most connected man in Etran City."
"And what do they say about me?"
Xiomara laughed. A light, practiced laugh. "That you’re impossible to impress."
Wesley did not smile.
Xiomara’s laugh faded. She tried again.
"Your restaurant is beautiful," she said. "I’ve always wanted to dine here."
"And now you have."
"Maybe you could give me a tour sometime? The kitchen? The wine cellar?"
Wesley looked at her. His expression was polite and distant.
"The kitchen is off-limits to guests. The wine cellar is reserved for staff." He paused. "But I appreciate the interest."
Xiomara’s face went red. She reached for her wine glass. She took a long sip.
Wesley turned to Caspian. His voice was casual.
"I hear you’re looking for a business partner. For your pharmaceutical company."
Caspian nodded. "Yes. I’m always looking for opportunities."
Wesley’s smile was thin. "I’m sure you are."
Xiomara tried again. "Mr. Wynn, what do you look for in a business partner?"
Wesley looked at her. His eyes were flat. Uninterested.
"Integrity," he said. "Loyalty. The ability to keep one’s promises."
Xiomara nodded eagerly. "Those are my values too."
Wesley did not respond.
He looked past her. Toward the window. Toward the city lights.
He thought about Veyra.
The way she had slapped Xavier Lala. The way she had caught the janitor. The way she had refused to back down from Xiomara.
She was fierce. Unpredictable. Unafraid.
She was nothing like the woman sitting across from him now.
Wesley’s mind drifted.
He thought about Dorian. About the photograph. About the way Dorian had called him last night.
Stay away from her.
Wesley had promised. But the promise was hard to keep.
He caught himself.
He looked at Xiomara. She was still talking. Still smiling. Still trying to impress him.
He did not hear a word she said.
He thought about Veyra.
If she were not Dorian’s wife, I would pursue her.
The thought came unbidden. He did not push it away.