Page 75 of King of Ruin

"What kind?"

"A small wine company."

Amara nodded slowly.

"That's a big risk."

"It is."

Juliet's expression softened as she remembered the conversation.

"He said he's proud of him, but worried too. You know how parents are."

She smiled faintly.

"They can watch their children become successful and still worry if they ate dinner or slept enough."

Amara laughed quietly.

"That's true."

Juliet glanced toward the waiter again.

"His daughter is doing well too. She recently had a baby."

Amara's face immediately brightened.

"Really?"

Juliet nodded.

"He showed me pictures."

A smile spread across Amara's lips.

"Of course he did."

"Apparently he carries them everywhere."

"That sounds exactly like him."

The two women continued talking, naturally moving from one detail of Edwin's life to another—the renovations he was doing on his home, his wife's health, his children's plans, and the small everyday things that made up his world.

Elise remained quiet beside them, listening.

The longer the conversation continued, the more difficult it became for her to hide her surprise.

She had always imagined women like Juliet and Amara existed in an entirely different world.

A world of private jets waiting on runways, designer gowns worn only once, billion-dollar companies passed down through generations, and extravagant parties where everyone carefully measured everyone else by their last name, their wealth, and their influence.

She hadn't expected them to know the name of a waiter.

She hadn't expected them to remember his children's dreams, ask about his family, or listen so intently when he spoke about the small details of his life.

It was strange.

They weren't talking about Edwin like he was someone who worked for them.