Chapter 76 Two Months

• The room was quiet, well, not truly silent if you counted the sound of Derek chewing at the dining table. He was chewing awkwardly, almost cringing at the emptiness in the air. With everything going on in the investigation about the embezzlement, he’d thought it would be a nice break to share dinner with Autumn, a rare opportunity to sit together. But now, faced with the reality of the moment, she was... well, distant.
• Derek stole glances at her, hoping she might finally meet his gaze, acknowledge him—even if just for a moment. Instead, Autumn stared straight ahead, as if lost in some infinite void beyond the room. Her spoon lay untouched on her plate.
• ‘Did she find something out about Charlie? Or does her sister have something to do with it?’ Derek wondered, concern growing. He put down his spoon and gently reached across the table, placing his hand over hers.