Anabel smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Sylvester. I really appreciate it."

Twenty minutes later, a tall, lanky guy with a messy beard and a mop of curly hair walked into Anabel's office. He was dressed in a pair of ripped jeans and a faded t-shirt, and he looked like he had just rolled out of bed.

"Hey, sorry I'm late," he said, extending a hand to Anabel. "I'm Max."

Anabel shook his hand, trying not to stare at his ...