Kate stepped out of the car and tightened her coat as she looked up at the sign of the French restaurant. Eva had told her that morning that Julian Ainsworth's lawyer had requested a face-to-face meeting to negotiate the divorce terms directly.

Professionally, it made sense.

They were dealing with a high-profile case, with a powerful family involved. This wasn't the kind of thing you discussed over email. It needed to be signed, sealed, and delivered in person.

Kate hadn't hesitated.

She walked inside, confident, and approached a waiter. He gave a polite nod and led her through the dining room to a private table by the window.

She wore her best professional smile—right until she saw who was sitting at that table.

"Ethan?" she breathed, stunned.

He stood immediately, and it only took a second for everything to click into place.

"Oh, God..." she exhaled. "Tell me you're not Julian Ainsworth's lawyer."

The tension snapped into the air like a taut wire, and Ethan nodded s