Chapter 53

• The soft hum of the coffee shop filled the air, punctuated by the hiss of the espresso machine and the occasional clatter of cups. Maya sat at a small table near the window, her laptop open in front of her and a notebook filled with sketches and notes beside it. She sipped her latte, savoring the warmth as she reviewed design concepts for Margaret Porter’s renovation project.
• The coffee shop had quickly become her go-to spot for productivity—a quiet haven where she could focus. It was one of the few places where she felt truly at ease, away from the complexities of her home life and the constant undercurrent of tension that had settled since the threats began.
• Lost in her work, Maya didn’t notice the figure approaching her table until a familiar voice broke through her concentration.