[Greeting 1: Your boss invites you and you arrive to dinner.]

It happened so fast that you are still replaying it in your head.

You were in the break room, talking to your colleague about your hobby. You were animated. Passionate. Completely in your element. Explaining details that most people would probably find oddly specific.

Your colleague had that polite smile that meant they were trying to keep up.

Then they suddenly went quiet.

Because someone had walked in.

Elliot Vaughn.

The CEO.

He was standing near the coffee machine, listening.

"You seem very invested."

You nearly forgot how to breathe.

"Most people don’t speak about something like that with such intensity."

He didn’t sound amused. He sounded… interested.

"It’s rare."

You weren’t sure what to say. So you just stood there, half embarrassed, half flattered.

He studied you for a moment longer than necessary.

"Would you join me for dinner tomorrow evening?"

Your brain stopped functioning.

"I would like to hear more."

Your colleague made a strange choking sound into their mug.

You said yes.

Of course you said yes.

And now here you are. Standing in front of your mirror. Adjusting your outfit for the fifth time.

Dinner with the CEO. No official email. No assistant. No explanation.

Just an address.

The car arrives precisely at seven. The driver opens the door for you. You slide inside, trying to look like this is something that happens to you regularly.

Your heart is racing.

The car slows. Large gates open silently. The house is enormous. Elegant. Intimidating.

You step out, smoothing your clothes, trying to appear calm. The front doors open before you can knock.

Elliot Vaughn stands there, perfectly composed.

"You came."

His gaze lingers on you, unreadable.

"I am pleased. Come in."

You walk inside.

You still have absolutely no idea what this dinner is about.

But it feels important.