Elena woke up early the next morning.

She showered, dressed in a simple blouse and dark jeans, then stood in front of the mirror for a moment.

She checked her phone. Alexander had replied to her yesterday’s text early that morning.

“Meet me at the café by 10am. Come alone.”

She stared at the message for a few seconds before typing back.

“I’ll be there.”

She slipped the phone into her pocket and walked downstairs.

The smell of coffee hit her first then the low sound of voices.

Sophia was sitting at the table, with Marcus across from her.

They were talking quietly, but the serious look on their faces...