DONOVAN

As the door opened and closed, accompanied by a muttered "thank you," I straightened up in my seat, my suit clinging to my skin. The expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse quarters allowed a gentle, humid breeze to circulate, carrying the sweet scent of plumeria and the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore. I savored the influx of oxygen, feeling invigorated after the stifling atmosphere of our meeting.

"I thought we were going to a restaurant," Maya hissed, her eyes flashing with annoyance.

"I never said that," I replied calmly, gesturing for her to take a seat across from me at the circular table. “Let's have a...