Sebastian's pov    The day started as any other, filled with the monotony of routine meetings and tasks that seemed to stretch longer than necessary. My patience, though refined over the years, was wearing thin as I navigated through the endless discussions, nodding at the appropriate times and issuing directives when required. Externally, I exuded calm authority, but my mind was elsewhere, entangled with thoughts of her.    Lunch with foreign clients followed, set in one of the finest restaurants downtown. The setting was grand, the air filled with the hum of satisfaction as my clients reveled in their success,