Page 24 of The Contract

She left.

Like wesaid.

So why thefuckdoes that bother me?

Why do I feel like Ilostsomething I never even had?

Iget some food in my stomach and caffeine in my system as I check my emails and fire off a few more orders for my assistant.

I’ve been staying at the Wolfe Grand more often than my own fucking penthouse, so I pull a black suit with a crisp white shirt from the closet.

I’m straightening my black tie and spritzing my cologne when my phone chimes.

LUCIAN: Tick-tock… you know… since you’re having a hard time with your punctuality today.

Asshole.

Snatching last night’s pants from the floor, I fish through the pockets while using voice assistant to order a car. I shove my money clip and other contents into my pockets while checking my watch one more time.

Fuck. I needed to leave five minutes ago.

In no time, my driver is pulling away, heading to The Black Ledger’s sleek high-rise about thirty minutes from my hotel.

I ring the concierge at Ember & Ash.

The steakhouse is reservation only, so my little mystery woman can’t hide for long.

“Hey, Cal.” I greet the general manager, knowing they’re getting ready to open for dinner. “Can you check the reservation log for me from last night?”

“Of course, Mr. Wolfe. Anyone in particular you’re looking for?”

“Yeah. A woman, table for one around eight.”

I wait, knowing he’s sliding his finger along the tablet, eyes scanning for my request.

I pretend like there’s no reason I’m holding my breath.

“Doesn’t look like there was one.” He sounds confused. “Was there a complaint last night? The staff didn’t?—”

I cut him off. “No. Nothing of that sort.” The words trail off. “If there was a walk-in?”

“Ah, likely it. We don’t add the walk-ins typically since they’re usually regular guests, Mr. Wolfe.”

A regular.

Could this get any easier for me?

I almost grin in early celebration.

I’ll know her name before dinnertime.

“Can you ask around? See who sat her last night?”

“I’ll be happy to, Mr. Wolfe. Anything else I can do for you?”

“That’s it, Cal. Thanks.”

I end the call before he answers.

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