At the appointed time, John arrived at the restaurant. Pamela was already waiting for him at a reserved table, smiling with satisfaction when she saw him. But when John realized she was alone, he didn’t hide his discomfort.

“Where’s Ethan?” he asked without even saying good evening, pulling out his chair impatiently.

Pamela looked up at him with a provocative smile.

“He’ll be a little late…” she said, running her fingers through her wavy hair with feigned nonchalance. “There was a small unexpec