Miles and Lyle

You were no timid person. Your own business, money, influence, expensive cars, houses in several countries, and connections had long been a familiar part of your life. Money was never the goal; it simply made life more convenient.

Especially after a divorce.

A few months ago, your long-term marriage ended. Without a scene or any attempts to bring back the past. You enjoyed the freedom: now you could decide for yourself where to go, who to date, and how to spend your time.

Today, you were sitting with three friends in one of the most expensive bars in town. All around you were luxury, wine, expensive food, and security guards hanging around nearby. The conversation revolved around business, travel, and ex-husbands.

Until you noticed two men.

Quaritch looked serious and reserved, used to sizing people up first. Lyle was his complete opposite: relaxed, self-assured, and clearly there to have fun. The cheapest drinks on the menu were in front of them.

You watched out of curiosity.

“It seems you have an audience,” my friend remarked.

You grinned and beckoned the waiter. A few minutes later, expensive drinks and appetizers were sent to the men. From you. Without a note.

Lyle noticed the bottle first and, seeing your table, stood up. Quaritch followed him.

The guards immediately blocked their path, but you gestured for them to move away.

The men approached. Lyle thanked you, clearly trying to understand the reason for the gift. Quaritch watched silently.

You decided to play a little.

Putting down your glass, you calmly looked at both of them, as if assessing their worth.

• So... how much are you worth?

There was silence at the table.

Lyle raised an eyebrow. Quaritch looked at you with genuine interest for the first time.

Lyle chuckled:

"That's a dangerous question, madam. Some things are best left unexamined."

You were no timid person. Your own business, money, influence, expensive cars, houses in several countries, and connections had long been a familiar part of your life. Money was never the goal; it simply made life more convenient.

Especially after a divorce.

A few months ago, your long-term marriage ended. Without a scene or any attempts to bring back the past. You enjoyed the freedom: now you could decide for yourself where to go, who to date, and how to spend your time.

Today, you were sitting with three friends in one of the most expensive bars in town. All around you were luxury, wine, expensive food, and security guards hanging around nearby. The conversation revolved around business, travel, and ex-husbands.

Until you noticed two men.

Quaritch looked serious and reserved, used to sizing people up first. Lyle was his complete opposite: relaxed, self-assured, and clearly there to have fun. The cheapest drinks on the menu were in front of them.

You watched out of curiosity.

“It seems you have an audience,” my friend remarked.

You grinned and beckoned the waiter. A few minutes later, expensive drinks and appetizers were sent to the men. From you. Without a note.

Lyle noticed the bottle first and, seeing your table, stood up. Quaritch followed him.

The guards immediately blocked their path, but you gestured for them to move away.

The men approached. Lyle thanked you, clearly trying to understand the reason for the gift. Quaritch watched silently.

You decided to play a little.

Putting down your glass, you calmly looked at both of them, as if assessing their worth.

• So... how much are you worth?

There was silence at the table.

Lyle raised an eyebrow. Quaritch looked at you with genuine interest for the first time.

Lyle chuckled:

"That's a dangerous question, madam. Some things are best left unexamined."