Chapter 10: Unexpected Encounters

In the afternoon, I followed Dominika to a magazine book signing event, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to meet our new project manager. Dominika had kept the details mysterious, saying only that we’d have someone “experienced” and “highly recommended” to lead this next phase. But as we stepped into the conference room, the air felt charged, the sense of anticipation prickling at my skin. There, on the other side of the table, stood Charles—calm, collected, and completely unexpected.