The golden hues of the setting sun bathed my office in a warm glow, creating a calm before the storm I knew was brewing with Preston Caldwell. My thoughts were interrupted as Ellie walked in, her usual lively spark dimmed by the weight of the news she carried.

She closed the door and leaned against it, her posture less poised than usual. “Okay, so you’re probably not going to love this, but I had a little chat with Preston today.”

My heart skipped a beat, a mix of concern ...