Chapter 11
The soft glow of candlelight flickered across the polished mahogany dining table as dessert was carefully set before us. The rich scent of dark chocolate mingled with the warm notes of cinnamon and vanilla, filling the room with a comforting sweetness that seemed to momentarily soften the tension that had woven through the evening.
Lena sat between Nate and Ally, a delicate slice of chocolate mousse cake balanced on her plate. The silky texture melted on her tongue, but her thoughts were far from the decadence in front of her. Across the table, Cole maintained his usual composed demeanor, effortlessly steering the polite conversation with Cassandra and Mr. McCall, though Nate’s wary glances in his direction never ceased.
Ally, ever the social spark, was animatedly chatting wi
