Chapter 239

Xavier had mentioned that Samantha had always wanted to visit this restaurant, but Joseph couldn't remember her ever bringing it up. The realization stung: had he really been so detached from what mattered to her? Joseph shut the car door behind him, a mix of regret and determination tightening his grip on the situation. He hurried to catch up with Samantha, walking alongside her in silence. … The rooftop restaurant, perched on the 88th floor, offered an unparalleled view of the city below. They rode the elevator up in silence until the bell announced their arrival. Joseph had reserved the entire restaurant, so the space was almost entirely empty, save for a few waiters and chefs. The vast, open space seemed even more stark in its emptiness. Samantha's excitement propelled her toward the floor-to-ceiling windows, where she drank in the sweeping view of Valmon. The city stretched out before her, a dazzling array of lights and shadows that surpassed even her highest expectations.