They worked their way through the courses, each one more impressive than the last, a smooth seafood bisque with lobster foam that tasted like the sea; perfectly seared scallops that melted in your mouth, served with a citrus sauce and pea purée.

Duck confit so tender it fell apart at the slightest touch, paired with cherry compote and roasted vegetables, followed by a palate cleanser of champagne sorbet that sparkled in your mouth.

Emma snapped photos of everything, narrating her reactions like she was filming a food vlog. "The texture is incredible, Dad! Are you even listening to me?" She waved her fork at him.

"I’m listening," Alexander assured her, genuinely amused now. "The texture is incredible."

"You’re just going along with it."

"I’m really enjoying your excitement."

Emma grinned. "Good. Because this is literally the best meal of my life, and I need you to be as excited about it as I am."

"Count me in," Alexander replied, and surprisingly, he actually meant it.

For a little while, he could forget about the mess of his life, the secrets, the lies, and the risky game he’d been playing for years now. For a little while, he could just be a dad sharing a meal with his daughter.

"You know what’s kind of funny?" Emma said, taking another bite of the duck. "When I was looking at grad schools, I almost didn’t pick this university. I had an offer from MIT, remember? Full scholarship."

"I remember," Alexander replied cautiously. "You said you wanted to stay close to home."

"Yeah." Emma looked at her plate, a little hesitant. "I know you told me to go where the best opportunity was, but... I guess I just didn’t want to be that far from you. You’re everything to me, Dad."

A wave of guilt hit Alexander. "Emma..."

"I mean, I know I’m twenty-three and supposed to be independent and all, but you’ve always been there for me. After Mom passed, and it was just us... you never remarried or really dated anyone. You put all your time and energy into raising me."

Because you’re the only real part of my carefully built life, Alexander thought. The one person who makes all of this worthwhile.

"You’re my daughter," he said simply. "That’s what dads do."

Emma reached across the table to squeeze his hand. "I know. And I really appreciate it. I just want you to know how much everything you’ve done for me means. I know it wasn’t easy being a single parent."

"You made it easy," Alexander said, and he meant it. "You were always a great kid—smart, kind, curious about the world. I’m proud of who you’ve become, Emma."

Emma’s eyes started to get misty. "Don’t make me cry in this fancy restaurant, Dad."

"Wouldn’t dream of it."

Right then, the server came by with the next dish, a beautifully plated beef tenderloin with truffle sauce, and the moment slipped away.

As they kept eating, laughing, and chatting about Emma’s plans for her master’s program, Alexander couldn’t shake a nagging feeling of unease.

Something about Emma’s description of her new friend kept bothering him, a grad student who had fainted on her first day and had to be rushed to the hospital.

It was probably nothing, just his anxiety heightened from years of being cautious.

But still.

He had learned long ago to listen to his gut.

And his gut was telling him to be careful.

****

In his private office on the second floor of the restaurant, Zayn was tuning in to the security feed.

He saw Emma’s genuine excitement with every course, how she kept sharing bites with her dad, making him try everything, and asking what he thought.

The easy affection between them and the way they joked and laughed was pretty obvious.

Then there was Alexander Kane, whose guard was always up, even while smiling at his daughter’s antics.

Zayn noticed him occasionally scanning the room and the little tension in his shoulders that didn’t seem to ease.

What’s your deal? Zayn thought. And what are you hiding?

His phone buzzed; another message from Zayden popped up, ’Stay away from them until we know more. Seriously, Zayn. No contact.’

Zayn texted back, ’They’re at the restaurant now. Just watching from the security feeds. No direct interaction.’

’Good. Keep it that way. Aylin is looking into Emma’s background now. We should have info soon.’

’And what if she’s innocent?’

There was a little pause before Zayden replied, ’Then we figure out how to protect her from what’s coming. But until we know for sure, keep your distance.’

Zayn shoved his phone in his pocket and turned back to the monitor.

Emma was laughing at something her dad said, her whole face lighting up with happiness, totally unaware that she was being watched.

I’m already in too deep, Zayn thought. And I can see that becoming a problem.

*****

After they finished the last course, a dessert that Emma called "actual heaven on a plate," a deconstructed tiramisu with espresso gelato and fancy chocolate work, Alexander took care of the bill.

The server handed over the check in a nice leather folder. "Hope everything was great for you tonight."

"It was amazing," Emma gushed. "Honestly, that was the best meal I’ve ever had. Please tell the chef how incredible everything was."

"I definitely will, madam. The chef will be so happy to hear that."

Alexander signed the check and stood up. "Ready to go see Ayla?"

Emma’s face shifted from joy to worry. "Yes, for sure. I hope she’s awake. I really want to talk to her and make sure she’s alright."

"Even if she’s not awake, I’m sure she’ll appreciate the visit," Alexander replied.

They headed out of the restaurant, with Emma still chatting about each dish, ranking them and debating which one was her favorite.

What they didn’t notice was Zayn watching them leave through the security monitors, and he shot a text to his security team, ’Follow them. Discreetly. I want to know where they go.’