Dinner with the Queen.
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Eleanor Cartwright's penthouse was a palace of glass and gold—every surface gleaming, every detail calculated.
Lex arrived first, suit sharp, mood unreadable. His mother greeted him with a glass of scotch and a long, knowing look.
"She's different," Eleanor said without preamble.
Lex didn't reply. He didn't have to.
Then the elevator chimed.
Muri stepped in like she belonged there. Black dress. Bold lipstick. Grace in every step. She greeted Eleanor with a polite kiss on the cheek and Lex with a nod that could have frozen fire.
"Shall we?" Eleanor gestured toward the dining room.
The meal was elegant. Quiet. Forks on china. Polite conversation. A strange dance of formality and something heavier beneath the surface.
"So, Muri," Eleanor said at last, setting down her wine glass. "You left the company quite suddenly. And now here you are—partnering with our largest competitor's daughter. That's quite the plot twist."
Muri smiled, completely at ease. "I suppose I'm full of surprises."
Lex's hand tightened around his fork.
Eleanor turned to him. "Lex, dear, are you enjoying this as much as I am?"
"Immensely," he said dryly.
Muri reached for her water, voice casual. "It's impressive, really. Lex built a hotel empire in six months. Most people take years. Though some things," her eyes flicked to him just for a second, "aren't so easily rebuilt."
Eleanor watched them both, sharp eyes flicking back and forth like a tennis match. "So there was a story."
Lex pushed back from the table. "Mother—"
"No need," Muri cut in smoothly. "We were coworkers. Now we're business associates. That's all."
"Pity," Eleanor said, standing. "Because from where I'm sitting, the tension could light this city on fire."
She smiled and excused herself, leaving them alone at the table.
The silence stretched.
Finally, Lex leaned in, voice low. "Why are you really here, Muri?"
She met his gaze without flinching. "To win."