They met in quiet cafés and empty conference rooms, rebuilding the foundation of what HavenLux should have been. Sometimes she smiled—not the skittish smile from the café, but something clearer. Something unburdened. Evan found himself smiling back far more often than he expected.
When Margot next visited the café, she hugged Elena warmly. Her hands signed, “I knew you were special. Stand tall now. You have earned it.” Elena signed back with newfound steadiness. Margot beamed, sensing the change before anyone spoke it aloud.