Chapter 32

• Lewis looked exhausted, his usually sharp demeanor dulled by the cold that seemed to be taking hold of him. He was clearly struggling, and it struck Lily that he was just a person like everyone else, dealing with his own challenges. Despite their past interactions, where tension often simmered beneath the surface, she felt a flicker of compassion. She didn’t particularly like him, but she was human, and kindness was a part of her nature.
• She hesitated, not wanting to interrupt him, but also feeling compelled to offer some support. As she stood there, she noticed how he rubbed his eyes, his frustration evident as he tried to juggle the demands of his role with the discomfort of his illness.
• After a moment, Lewis ended the call, letting out a weary sigh as he set his phone down on the desk. He remained facing the window, his posture tense. Lily stepped closer, not wanting to startle him. “Mr. Evans,” she said softly, her tone more gentle than usual. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”