Chapter 158: Shell
Ephyra sauntered out of the car, her pace unhurried as Miles fell into step beside her. Her long, dark red hair cascaded freely down her back.
She wore a light beige trench coat, buttoned and cinched neatly at the waist, layered over a simple white fitted top tucked into light blue wide-leg denim jeans. A muffler was wrapped around her neck, her left hand resting casually in her coat pocket while the other held a black handbag. Chunky-heeled beige ankle boots completed the outfit, the color blending seamlessly with her coat.
The restaurant’s glass doors slid open automatically as she approached. A staff member stationed by the entrance straightened at the sight of her, offering a polite smile.
"Good afternoon, miss. May I help you? Do you have a reservation?"
Ephyra returned the smile, her voice calm and pleasant. "Rylie Carver. I’m here to meet him."
The moment the staff heard the name, surprise flashed across her face. Her posture stiffened, becoming noticeably more deferent as she bowed her head slightly. "Please, follow me. My superior will attend to you."
Ephyra simply nodded, her smile polite but distant, and followed without another word.
"Ma’am," the staff called as they approached a poised middle-aged woman dressed in a tailored blouse and pencil skirt.
"Yes, Erica?" The woman turned, an eyebrow arched.
"She’s here to meet Mr. Rylie Carver."
The woman’s eyes narrowed, immediately taking Ephyra in. "Welcome to Pearl’s Haven," she greeted with a slight nod. "May I have your name, miss?"
"Ephyra Allen."