Chapter 6

　　Sienna

　　"YOU'RE quiet."

　　Marcus's voice came from beside me as the car slowed in front of the private club. The valet was already stepping forward, the door being opened before I could answer.

　　"I'm fine," I said, smoothing my dress once more before stepping out.

　　The black fabric fell perfectly against my body—elegant, understated, exactly the kind of thing Marcus liked to see me in. Something that didn't demand attention, but still held it.

　　He came around the car a second later, his hand settling at the small of my back as we walked inside. It felt familiar, possessive, and effortless.

　　"Stay close tonight," he murmured lightly. "A few investors are coming."

　　"I always do," I replied.

　　That earned me a small smile.

　　The club was already set—low lighting, polished floors, quiet music drifting in the background. Everything curated. Everything controlled.

　　Just like the people inside it.

　　Marcus paused near the entrance, glancing toward the dining area. "I'll check the menu with the manager," he said. "Wait here."

　　I nodded.

　　"Don't disappear," he added, almost teasing.

　　"I won't."

　　He gave my hand a brief squeeze before walking off, already pulling his phone out, his attention shifting away from me in seconds.

　　I stayed where I was, letting my gaze move across the room slowly, taking in the details of the surroundings.

　　"Sienna."

　　I turned at the sound of my name and I saw Ryan. Marcus's investor.

　　He approached with an easy smile, his posture relaxed but attentive. The kind of man who paid attention to everything without making it obvious.

　　"Ryan," I greeted, returning the smile politely.

　　"Where's Marcus?" he asked, glancing around.

　　"Checking on the menu," I said. "He'll be back shortly."

　　Ryan nodded, then gestured toward the bar. "Mind if I wait there?"

　　"Of course not," I replied. "Please."

　　I turned with him, walking side by side toward the bar, my heels soft against the floor.

　　As we reached the counter, I gestured lightly to the bartender. "Something to drink?"

　　"Just whiskey," Ryan said.

　　I nodded once, then glanced up and almost stiffened when I saw Lucas, and beside him was Nate.

　　Of course. Nate would be here, Marcus talked to him last night.

　　My fingers tightened slightly against the edge of the bar before I forced them to relax.

　　Nate leaned casually against the doorway, one shoulder pressed to the frame like he belonged there more than anyone else. His gaze was already on me.

　　Watching.

　　A faint smirk touched his lips. Not obvious, but enough for me to know what's on his head.

　　I held his gaze for a second. Then gave a small, polite nod before looking away. "Water," I told the bartender.

　　Ryan said something beside me—I didn't catch it. Because I could feel the shift the moment Nate moved towards me.

　　I heard his steps before I saw him, felt the change in the air before he stopped beside me. Close. But not too close.

　　"Water?" he said lightly, as if continuing a conversation that didn't exist.

　　I didn't look at him. "Yes."

　　The bartender placed the glass in front of me at the same time Nate reached for his. Our fingers brushed. Briefly and warm, but intentional.

　　And I stilled just for a second before pulling my hand back immediately and wrapped my fingers around the glass like nothing had happened that sent something warm in between my legs.

　　I kept my gaze forward ad pretended unbothered. Nate didn't react, either. He didn't even acknowledge it. He took his drink and stepped slightly to the side, as if the moment hadn't existed at all.

　　"Marcus!"

　　Ryan's voice cut through the tension.

　　I turned instinctively. Marcus was already walking toward us, his expression relaxed, confident, unaware.

　　I moved before he reached me, closing the distance naturally, slipping my arm through his like it was second nature.

　　He glanced down at me briefly, a small smile forming. "There you are," he said.

　　"I didn't go anywhere," I said with a smile.

　　"Good," Marcus approved.

　　Lucas stepped forward, his grin wide and easy. "You two look like you just got married."

　　Marcus laughed. "Blame her," he said, gesturing slightly toward me. "She makes everything look better."

　　I smiled politely, tilting my head just enough. "You're exaggerating."

　　"I'm not," Marcus replied easily.

　　A quiet chuckle came from the side.

　　Nate.

　　Marcus glanced at him. "What?"

　　"Nothing," Nate said, lifting his glass slightly. "I just remember the funny video my sister sent me."

　　The conversation shifted easily after that and I just stayed where I was, my hand resting lightly on Marcus's arm, smiling when expected, speaking when necessary. Not inserting myself. Not withdrawing either.

　　Ryan stepped closer after a moment, glancing toward the dining area. "Should we move to the table?"

　　"Not yet," Marcus said. "We're waiting for one more."

　　Lucas frowned slightly. "Who?"

　　Marcus didn't answer immediately. Instead, he looked at Nate. A small, knowing smile forming. But Nate didn't react.

　　Before anyone could ask again, the door opened. And the shift in the room was immediate.

　　I turned and saw an elegant and tall woman stepped inside the room like she already owned it. She's striking in a way that didn't need effort. Everything about her was polished—hair, makeup, posture. Controlled beauty.

　　I felt Marcus's arm tense slightly under mine. "Who is she?" I asked quietly.

　　Before he could answer, the woman moved and walked straight toward Nate.

　　"Nate," she said, stopping in front of him. Her voice was smooth. "I've been trying to reach you."

　　Nate didn't move, he didn't even smile. "Have you?" he asked, arching a brow.

　　She crossed her arms slightly, tilting her head. "It's hard to see you these days," she said, then looked at him in the eyes. "Who answered your phone yesterday?"

　　My grip on Marcus's arm tightened just slightly. So this was her. The woman Nate made me answered the call for him.

　　I didn't look away and just listened.

　　Nate exhaled softly, clearly unimpressed. "Still checking up on your ex?" he said, his tone flat, edged with mild irritation.

　　"Should I not?" she asked, she didn't even deny it.

　　Lucas shifted uncomfortably, while Ryan stayed quiet, and Marcus just said nothing.

　　But the tension, it was there. Subtle but layered.

　　I kept my expression calm and neutral. But something cold settled quietly beneath the surface.

　　Because if she recognized my voice… Then it was only a matter of time before she realized where she had heard it before.

　　I didn't need to look at Nate. Because based on his expression, it seemed that he had thought of that, too.