Chapter 19 Unwelcome Encounters

• As they drove toward Pedro's mansion, Maya was unexpectedly in a buoyant mood, unlike her previous gloominess. She gazed out the window with a small smile playing on her lips, her heart lighter than it had been in weeks.
• Alex glanced at her sideways and chuckled. "That excited?" she asked, noting the dramatic change in Maya's demeanor.
• Maya nodded enthusiastically. "I can't believe the difference in Mara. She said the crushing weight in her chest just disappeared, and that burning sensation that kept her awake at night is completely gone. She actually smiled, Alex—really smiled—for the first time in so long." Her voice grew thick with emotion. "Thank you. I know I was harsh earlier, but what you did... it means everything to me."