Chapter 102

• The café was quiet, the faint hum of conversation blending with the soft clatter of cups and plates. Maya sat at a corner table, her hands wrapped around a mug of coffee, staring at the swirling foam as her thoughts raced. She hadn’t wanted to meet Luke, but his message had been insistent, almost desperate. Against her better judgment, she had agreed.
• The door chimed, and Luke walked in, scanning the room until his eyes landed on her. He approached cautiously, his expression a mix of determination and unease. Maya didn’t rise as he sat down across from her, placing a folder on the table between them.
• “Thank you for coming,” Luke began, his tone subdued.