At the Olive Leaf Café…
The café's ambiance was warm and inviting, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the chatter of patrons. Julian sat across from Victoria, his reflection staring back from the depths of his untouched coffee. Victoria, however, seemed the picture of composure, swirling the dark liquid in her cup with a practiced hand.
"Mr. Ray," Victoria greeted, her tone composed yet tinged with an underlying seriousness. "Thank you for meeting me."
Julian offered a polite nod in response, his gaze fixed on her, awaiting an explanation for this unexpected rendezvous. But Victoria was silent. She leisurely sipped her coffee, enjoying the aroma.
"You haven't explained why you called me here, Mrs. Sullivan," Julian finally said, his voice low and guarded.
