The soft hum of Daniel’s laptop filled the hotel room as he sat at the desk, deep into his online conference. Outside, the view of the shimmering ocean stretched out to the horizon, framed by palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze. The resort’s idyllic setting was a stark contrast to the tension that lingered in the air. Daniel adjusted his headset, nodding absently as one of his colleagues droned on about sales projections.

Victoria, lounging on the balcony, looked out over the resort with a serene expression. She appeared relaxed, but her mind was elsewhere, rehearsing every detail of the plan she and Zander had orchestrated. The faint sound...