n and subtle diamonds, sat beside Rowen. The city's lights, once a source of wonder, now seemed to mock the precarious reality she inhabited. Rowen, sha

re escorted through the opulent lobby, Avery felt the subtle shift in attention. Heads turned, whispers followed. The grainy tablo

ey entered. He was impeccably dressed, with salt-and-pepper hair and eyes that seemed to miss

lovely Avery. A pleasure to finally meet you." He extended a hand, first to Rowen,

Maverick's dangerous nature. "Mr. Black. It's a pleasure." H

to the table. "Do sit. I've already ordered some ap

. Rowen responded with clipped, efficient answers, his posture rigid. Avery observed their dynamic, the underlying current

quite the workaholic. I must say, I was surprised to hear he'd finally settled dow

times love just hits you like a whirlwind." She glanced at Rowen, a p

ed a convincing smile. "Absolutely. Avery has a way of m

's touch can be quite distracting. Tell me, Avery, what exa

't just one thing, Maverick. It was his intensity, yes, but also a surprising vulnerability beneath the ruthless exterior." She leaned slightly towards Rowen, as if

, though part of the act, contained an unsettling kernel of truth.

"Fascinating. And you, Rowen? What drew you to Avery,

st. In a world of artifice, that's a rare and valuable quality." He reached across the table and briefly covered Avery's hand with his

xpose the cracks. He mentioned Avery's humble background, her recent financial struggles, attempting to paint her as a gold-digger.

triking couple. I confess, you've managed to surprise me, Rowen. I look forward to seeing how this... partnersh

s gaze unwavering. "As

had been draining. As they stepped back into the cool night air, Rowen's hand, which ha

, his voice devoid of emo

ow," she replied, the unspoken challenge hanging between them. The night was fa