Chapter 46 - The Invite

The dimly lit bar was quiet except for the low hum of jazz music playing in the background. Jane sat at a small table near the back, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of her wine glass as she waited. The invitation card Hardin had sent her sat on the table in front of her, mocking her with its pristine white edges and elegant calligraphy. She had no intention of going, but it still irked her to receive it.

A few minutes later, Dario strode in, his usual confident smirk in place. He spotted Jane instantly and made his way to her, sliding into the seat across from her with a grin.

"I got your message. What’s so important that you couldn’t wait until tomorrow?"

Jane, without saying a word, flicked the invitation card toward him. Dario raised an eyebrow as he picked it up, his eyes scanning the embossed text. He chuckled, tossing the card back onto the table.

"Ah, Hardin’s project launch. So, he sent you an invite. What’s the problem?"

Jane let out an exasperated sigh and took a