Chapter 53

Megan's POV

Chris arrived promptly at 6 pm, his expression inscrutable as Lilly ushered him inside with forced joviality.

Mercifully, she took the hint when I suggested getting coffee might help facilitate the impending discussion.

The spring evening held a crisp chill as we made our way to the corner cafe in tense silence.

I stole furtive glances at Chris's stoic profile, searching for any hint of the man I'd grown so comfortable collaborating within recent weeks. But his features remained an impassive mask, eyes forward and jaw set in that infuriatingly opaque way of his.

Once we were settled at a secluded corner table with steaming mugs before us, I could no longer avoid the reason for this abrupt summit.

Clearing my throat, I met his watchful gaze head-on.

***

We stepped into the cozy cafe; the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee surrounded us.

I led Chris to a secluded corner table, feeling his watchful gaze