Chapter 43 Lucas's Ultimatum

• The soft hum of the espresso machine filled the café as Celia sat in the corner booth, her hands wrapped tightly around her latte. She wasn’t sure why she had agreed to meet Lucas, but his message the night before had left her no choice. We need to talk. Urgent. The ominous undertone was impossible to ignore, and despite her better judgment, here she was.
• Lucas arrived late, as usual, his swaggering confidence grating on her nerves the moment he walked in. Dressed sharply in a tailored suit, he had the air of someone who thrived on power plays. As he slid into the booth across from her, his smirk only deepened her unease.
• “Celia,” he greeted, his voice smooth. “Thanks for coming.”