“Director, Mr. Mercer has returned to the main dining terrace. Shall I instruct the staff to escort him out?”

“No,” I replied, typing quickly. “Let him stay. I am coming up to the mezzanine.”

“Understood, Director.”

I walked to the service stairs and began the climb up to the main level.

The cool, sterile air of the basement gave way to the warm, salt-kissed breeze of the upper terrace.

I pushed open the heavy wooden door that led to the mezzanine balcony.

From here, I could look down at the entire outdoor dining area.

The ocean sparkled in the afternoon sun, the waves crashing gently against the white sand of the private beach.

Below me, Vivian and Claire were seated at a prime table overlooking the water.

Daniel had joined them, his expression still tense as he took a long sip from a fresh glass of whiskey.

Sitting with them were Mrs. Sterling and her daughter, two of the most influential socialites in the city.

Claire was leaning forward, her face animated as she spoke.

She was gesturing with her left hand, making sure the sunlight caught the diamond-encrusted bezel of her watch.