Two men whispered near the bar.
Whispering Guy #1: “This has to be a PR move.”
Whispering Guy #2: “Or a humiliation thing.”
Julian heard them. He didn’t flinch. He angled the tray toward them.
Julian: “Champagne?”
They went silent.
Whispering Guy #1: “No, thank you.”
Julian nodded and moved on.
When he returned to Mina, the room felt recalibrated.
Julian: “Here.”
Mina took the tray automatically, fingers finding the familiar weight.
Mina: “You didn’t have to do that.”
Julian (low, for her only): “I did.”
Mina: “People will talk.”
Julian: “They already are.”
Mina (practical): “You asked for my number in a room full of your father’s employees. That’s pressure.”
Julian nodded.
Julian: “Fair. Let me do that again.”
He stepped back, giving her space.
Julian: “If you ever want to talk when you’re not working—your choice—tell me. If not, I’ll leave you alone.”
He pulled out a simple card and placed it on the edge of the tray where she could take it or ignore it without anyone noticing.
Julian: “No response required.”
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