Chapter 020

Arriving at the cafe Mr. White had designated for our meeting, I took a deep breath, steadying myself before stepping inside. He was already seated near the window, his expression unreadable, though he looked slightly worn around the edges—perhaps a result of the years spent handling my family’s affairs and, most recently, the stresses brought on by my father’s deteriorating business.

As I approached, he looked up, recognizing me with a familiar nod. I hadn’t seen him in some time, but he’d been around the family often during my father’s healthier days.

“Hello, Mr. White,” I greeted him, trying to keep my voice steady despite the nervousness churning in my stomach.

He stood and reached out to shake my hand, greeting me with my maiden name out of habit.

“Good to see you again, Ms. Collins.”

A small smile broke across my face, and I gently corrected him. “Actually, I’m a Knight now.”

His face softened, his smile acknowledging the reminder. “Yes, of course. I suppose Vivian filled me in