A faint crease appeared between Lara's brows.
Beatrice was the last person she expected to see in Calma—especially entering one of Garden Café's secluded private rooms at this hour.
The sight unsettled her more than she wanted to admit.
Was it merely coincidence?
Or was Beatrice involved in something far deeper than Lara realized?
Before she could dwell on the thought, a man in his early forties approached her from the garden pathway. Despite the humid evening air, he wore a neatly pressed charcoal-gray suit. His polished leather shoes clicked softly against the stone pavement as he stopped before her.
"Miss Larissa Reyes?" he asked courteously.
Lara turned toward him, her expression composed.
"Yes?"
The man offered a polite smile, though it seemed oddly stiff, as if carefully practiced.
"Mr. Lionel Brookes has been expecting you." He gestured toward the dim corridor leading deeper into the café. "Please follow me."
Lara hesitated briefly before nodding.
