Chapter 107

• The car rolled to a stop in front of a two-story red-brick building. For a moment, I thought we had come to the wrong place until I noticed a restaurant sign nearly swallowed by a curtain of ivy that had grown wild across the facade.
• From the outside, the place looked forgotten, like time had brushed past without a glance. But the interior was another story entirely. As we stepped in, we were met with warm light and elegant art deco flourishes. Every table was filled, the low hum of conversation blending with soft jazz in the background. Not a single seat was free.
• I glanced at Renzo, uncertain, but he only smirked and clasped my hand, guiding me toward the stairs.