Chapter 20

• “What’s got you looking so drained?” Josh took a slow sip of his whiskey, his gaze fixed on Ivy, whose shoulders slumped slightly as she sat beside him.
• The bar felt like a world apart—one reserved for a select few who never needed to ask for the price. From the moment she stepped inside, Ivy knew this wasn’t the kind of bar she was used to. The ceilings soared high above them, adorned with crystal chandeliers that cast a soft, captivating glow. Dim lanterns tucked into each corner painted elegant shadows on black marble walls, catching glimpses of polished glass and bronze that radiated understated luxury.
• There weren’t many guests tonight. A few tables were taken by men in sharp suits and women in sleek dresses, their conversations hushed, never rising above the ambient jazz playing in the background. The scent of aged leather mingled with hints of expensive tobacco—probably from Josh’s cigar. Behind the bar, rows of rare bottles shimmered under muted light, while the bartender, dressed in a black vest and white gloves, moved with a precision that made each gesture feel like part of a private performance.