Like the villain

Layla and Lucius were finishing dinner at an elegant restaurant, preparing to leave, when a man approached them.

"Layla Rosenzweig," he called out her name, causing both of them to turn in surprise.

"Ryan?" Layla uttered, her voice laced with shock.

"You've changed so much," Ryan remarked, his gaze sweeping over her, taking in her appearance.

Lucius's expression darkened at the stranger's bold scrutiny. Stepping forward, he placed a possessive hand on Layla's lower back. "Lucius De Salvo, Layla's husband," he introduced himself with a cool demeanor, his eyes narrowing slightly as he sized up the man before them.

Ryan extended a hand, seemingly unfazed. "Ryan Sinclair," he said with a friendly smile. Having spent most of his time in the U.S., Ryan hadn't recognized Lucius's name. "I didn't know Layla got married," he added, shaking Lucius's hand before stepping back.