Signs and Secrets

Zinnia took a deep breath, her mind still swirling with questions as she turned back toward James. Her tone was composed, though exhaustion lingered in her voice. "I'll be going back home first," she said, tucking her phone into her bag. "In case you have any updates about the Lucas Realty Group matter… please let me know."

James straightened, his expression softening as he nodded. "I will," he promised, his voice calm and steady. "You'll be the first to know if I hear anything."

There was a brief pause as they stood in the shadow of the closed gate. The quiet between them was filled with unspoken thoughts, but Zinnia was too drained to dig deeper into them. She offered him a faint smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thank you," she said softly, genuine but distant.

James hesitated for a moment, then took a step forward. "Should I drive you home?" he asked, his tone gentle, as though he was trying not to push too hard.