LUCA
By the time Darrel and I arrived at the brunch venue, my mind was already busy with thoughts of the competition and everything that had been happening lately. I stepped out of the car and adjusted the collar of my navy blue polo shirt, making sure it sat neatly against my neck. I paired it with a black corporate trouser and clean black sneakers. It was not flashy, but it was appropriate. Darrel walked beside me, his tablet tucked under his arm, his expression focused like it always was when business was involved.
The restaurant was quiet and elegant, the kind of place where important people came to talk without distractions. The air smelled of coffee and warm food, and soft music played in the background. Before we could move further inside, the restaurant manager approached us with
