The lobby of the building was elegant and quiet, designed to impress without trying too hard.
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls framed the bustling city outside like living artwork. Polished marble floors reflected the warm glow of chandelier lights overhead. Sleek, modern couches lined one wall, while indoor plants in tall ceramic pots added a splash of green. The front desk was manned by a uniformed concierge, who gave her a polite nod as she passed.
She made her way to the small café near the entrance, the scent of roasted coffee beans and vanilla pastries greeting her as she stepped inside. There weren’t many people. Just a couple of tenants chatting softly in the corner.
Lara ordered an Okinawa milk tea, then settled at a table by the wide fiber-glass window. She placed the white paper
