Chapter 17 - Dalia's New Friend?

• "Seabreeze Haven Restaurant," Brian said briefly, his voice nearly fading as his steps grew distant from the door.
• Elzar remained silent, his eyes fixed on the door that had just closed. Slowly, his gaze shifted toward Dalia, who was seated at her desk. He hadn’t expected that behind the calm demeanor and sharp intellect of the woman, there lay such a heavy burden—something she seemed to be hiding so carefully.
• Dalia, meanwhile, was engrossed in her work. Each keystroke echoed swiftly, as though time were an enemy constantly chasing her. She didn’t want to keep Amaranth waiting too long at daycare, especially tonight, because she had promised Gerald she would attend the big family dinner.