ywood's text read. "Lunch before

e sure she was under his thumb before

s and business tycoons. Haywood was already seated at a corner booth, waving at her.

id, scanning her face. "Go

A waiter appear

smiling benevolently. "The Salmon with dill

c to salmon, Haywood. My throat closes up. We

al, and Mr. Laurent from Vogue is at the next table. Just have a sm

cutive Chef appeared at the table. H

g slightly. "Apologies, but we ra

Michelin star restaurant.

turning to Hester. "For Ms. Irwin, we have pre

s intoxicating-earthy truffle, rich butter. It wa

," Haywood snapped.

Chef said smoothly. "And a patro

glass of red wine for Hester. "Château

m. In the far corner, near the kitchen entrance, she saw

. He wasn't here,

t have mentioned it to my assistant t

r another man's gesture because his ego

. It was rare, red juice flowing onto the white r

with his mouth full about stock prices and how the "apology

buzzed i

d strength t

r that had been gripping her stomach all morning be

ross the table. "Here's the scri

didn't read it. She folded

king a sip of the 1998 vintage. "I'l