Calculated Leverage

"Thanks," Declan said. Without sparing me another glance, he strode away with his team, leaving the restaurant. I didn't waste a single second watching his retreating back. I got in my car, gripped the steering wheel, and drove off to lock in my next batch of intensive violin lessons. I needed my schedule packed and my mind sharp.

That night, with Declan still absent from the house, I poured all