I stepped into the private event space downtown Manhattan, the music, the lights, the scent of champagne hitting me as I scanned the room. My eyes landed on her immediately. She was laughing with Ayana, orange gown hugging her every curve, radiant and dangerous all at once.

Her laughter died the moment she noticed me. She turned, eyes narrowing in that way that always made my chest tighten. I didn’t have to wait for her voice to know she was displeased. “Sebastian” her voice dripped with ice.

“Maya.” I let my smirk play across my lips, perfectly tousled as ever. “Surprised to see you had time to plan a birthday party this year. Don’t you have a marketing department to run to the ground?”

She arched a brow, venomous and precise. “We’ve increased our profit margins by thirty percent this past quarter. What have you done? Open the same type of boring, soulless restaurant you always do and irritate everyone you work with in the process?”

“Those boring, soulless restaurants have earned more Michelin stars than there are hits in your latest product line, so I understand why you’d be bitter.” My eyes swept over the party, taking it in, “Seven Deadly Sins theme. Cute.”

“You—” She opened her mouth, and I cut her off, offering a small, polite nod toward Ayana. “Ayana, good to see you.”

Then back to her. “You look lovely.” My tone was sincere, deliberate.

“Thank you,” she replied, somewhere between courtesy and loyalty to her friend.

I lifted a brow. “Which sin are you? Most guests chose one for the theme.” Ayana asked.

“None. I’m sinless.” I let my mischievous grin sharpen as I faced her again. “I’m not a big fan of party themes, unfortunately. They’re a little tacky, but if anyone can make a brave attempt at classing them up, it’s you, Sal.” I raised my glass in a mock toast, letting my eyes slide past her toward someone at the bar. “Ah, I spot Kai. Perfect timing. We need to discuss my next cover story for Gourmand. Have fun. Oh, and happy birthday.”

I turned and walked away, letting the heat of her glare trail after me, savoring the way she seethed without being able to do anything about it.