Eyes moved.
Attention sharpened.
“How much is it?”
“Forty-eight thousand for tonight. Twelve thousand from earlier this week.”
“That’s absurd.”
“No. That’s accurate.”
Evelyn’s smile tightened.
“Send it to my office.”
“Payment is due tonight.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“I’m holding you accountable.”
Her confidence cracked—not because of the money, but because of the room.
Because people were watching.
Because reputation mattered.
She reached into her purse and pulled out her card.
“Fine. Take it.”
The door opened behind me.
Ethan walked in.
He didn’t rush.
He didn’t panic.
He looked at me first.
