Chapter 2 Shadows And Whispers

The neon lights buzzed above, casting a dull pink hue over the scratched countertop. Kaitlyn wiped down the surface with practiced motions, her gaze occasionally drifting toward the entrance of the bar. It was the slowest part of the night-when the regulars had already left and the late crowd hadn't arrived. The low hum of music played in the background, a sad tune that mirrored her mood.

Her mind replayed the morning argument with Andrew like a broken record. The tension between them was no longer subtle; it was loud, constant, and exhausting. Every word, every sigh, every unspoken thought pressed on her chest like a weight she couldn't shake off.

"Need a refill?" she asked a middle-aged man nursing a whiskey at the far end of the counter.

He shook his head with a grunt.

As she returned to cleaning, two women entered the bar and took a seat near the corner booth, chatting in hushed tones over cocktails.

"Did you hear about Jay Roberts?" one of them whispered.

Kaitlyn froze mid-wipe.

"Who's that?" the other replied, twirling a straw between her fingers.

"You're kidding, right? He's only the most eligible billionaire in this city. Tech genius, ruthless CEO, total recluse. But lately-he's been throwing these ultra-exclusive parties. Like, insane money gets spent on them."

"And?"

"Well..." The first woman leaned in closer. "Rumor is, he's looking for someone. A companion. A woman."

Kaitlyn's ears perked up. She didn't mean to eavesdrop, but the name sparked something in her memory. Then it clicked. The business card. The sharply dressed man at the bar a few nights ago. *Jay Roberts.*

"Some say he's tired of the business world and wants to settle down. Others think it's just a stunt to keep his family off his back," the woman continued. "Either way, he's picking someone. And no one knows how."

Kaitlyn blinked, momentarily lost in thought. She reached into her apron pocket and pulled out the black card again. She hadn't told Emma or Andrew about it-honestly, she hadn't even planned to keep it. But something about the man's confidence and the way he looked at her had lodged itself in her thoughts.

Before she could dwell on it further, the bar's door swung open. The wind howled behind the figure that entered. Tall. Composed. Dressed in a tailored charcoal suit that probably cost more than her rent. His presence was commanding-impossible to ignore.

Kaitlyn's breath caught in her throat.

He scanned the room with sharp, hawk-like eyes until they landed on her.

Her heart pounded.

He strode over slowly, every step purposeful, like he had all the time in the world. When he reached the counter, he didn't speak right away. Instead, he reached into his inner jacket pocket and placed a sleek, black envelope on the bar between them.

"For you," he said, voice smooth as silk.

Kaitlyn stared at the envelope. "What is it?"

"An invitation."

"To what?"

He gave her a knowing smile. "You'll find out."

With that, he turned and walked away, disappearing through the exit just as silently as he had entered.

Kaitlyn hesitated before picking up the envelope. It was thick, almost velvety to the touch. Elegant silver lettering shimmered in the bar's dim light. She carefully broke the seal and pulled out a single black card.

*You are cordially invited to The Roberts Estate.

Saturday. 9 PM sharp. No plus one. Dress code: Formal.*

No return address. No phone number. No further explanation.

Her stomach twisted in a mix of anxiety and curiosity.

Was this real?

Why *her*?

She glanced around the bar, expecting someone to laugh, to point out a prank-but no one was paying her any attention.

Kaitlyn slid the card back into the envelope and tucked it deep into her purse. Just then, the door opened again and her manager, Vince, entered from his office in the back.

"You okay?" he asked, frowning at her pale expression.

She nodded quickly. "Yeah. Just... tired."

Vince shrugged. "Clock out early if you need. It's dead tonight anyway."

Kaitlyn didn't argue. She handed her apron over, grabbed her coat, and stepped out into the chilly night.

As she walked home, her thoughts buzzed louder than the wind. Could this be the opportunity Emma hinted at? Could this be the break she and Andrew desperately needed?

No, it didn't make sense. A man like Jay Roberts had the city's finest women fawning over him. Why would he send an invitation to a bar server barely holding her life together?

She reached her apartment and paused before going in. The hallway was quiet. Dim lights flickered above. She opened the door slowly, hoping Andrew wouldn't be in the mood to argue.

But the apartment was empty. A note lay on the table in his handwriting.

*"Gone to the salon. Don't wait up."*

She exhaled and sank onto the couch. The invitation burned a hole in her purse. She reached for it again, staring at the card like it might reveal more if she looked long enough.

Was it danger... or destiny?

Just as she was about to put it away, her phone buzzed.

Unknown number.

She answered hesitantly. "Hello?"

A deep voice replied, "Kaitlyn Sanders, we look forward to seeing you Saturday. Don't be late."

The line went dead.

She sat frozen, phone still pressed to her ear.

He knew her name.