Chapter 131

• I took a deep breath and lifted the bowl of soup, savoring the warmth as I drank it down in one swift motion. There was something about simple moments like this that grounded me, especially in the whirlwind of business and strategy that dominated my life. As I set the bowl back down on the table, Rafael couldn’t help but smile.
• "You’ve always known how to make an impression, Cassandra," he said, his voice laced with something I couldn’t quite place. Appreciation, maybe? Or perhaps something deeper, something more complicated.
• I shrugged, ignoring the flutter in my chest. "By the way, Rafael," I said, trying to redirect my thoughts, "why did the CEO of Westhaven's largest tech conglomerate suddenly show up in Fawnrun? I heard he’s highly respected, not just for his business acumen but also for his ability to steer his company through the most chaotic situations. Why would he risk being involved in something so... out of his depth?"