Chapter 2:The Shadow King's Agenda

The coffee shop was warm and bustling with life, a stark contrast to the cold, sterile lab they'd just left behind. The faint clink of cups and the low hum of conversation filled the air. Will and Joy sat in a corner booth, each with a steaming cup in front of them. Will took a sip, glancing at his friend across the table. He noticed the far-off look in Joy's eyes, but decided to steer the conversation in a different direction.

"Hey, Joy," Will began, leaning back in his chair, trying to sound casual. "Lately, you've been talking a lot about… Tia Carter. About proposing to her. Is that still the plan?"

Joy's eyes snapped back into focus, and for a moment, a flicker of warmth passed through his expression. "Yeah," he said, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I've been thinking about it a lot. I'm gonna take her out for a date night—make it special. But I'll do it once I finish that shitty project they dumped on me."

Will raised an eyebrow, taking another sip of his coffee. "You're really going through with it? A proposal to Tia? I didn't think you were the type to do the whole romantic thing."

Joy chuckled, but there was a hint of nervousness behind his smile. "I wasn't either. But… she's different. And I can't keep putting this off forever. She's been a part of my life for too long."

Will leaned forward slightly, studying his friend's face. "She's been through a lot with you, huh? With everything going on... all that stuff."

Joy's smile faded a bit, and he stared into his coffee cup, swirling it idly. "Yeah. She's been there. I just… I don't know how much more I can keep from her. It's like… if I'm really going to marry her, I can't keep hiding everything from her anymore. I need to get my shit together first. Then I'll ask her."

Will nodded, understanding the weight of the situation. "You'll figure it out, man. And if you need anything, I'm here."

Joy managed a small smile, feeling the weight of the conversation lighten just a little. "Thanks, Will. But for now… I need to get through that damn project first. Then I can focus on everything else."

Will hesitated for a moment, then leaned closer. "Joy, if it's really bothering you this much… maybe you should think about walking away."

Joy let out a bitter laugh. "Walking away isn't an option, Will. Not when you're dealing with people like Victor Esono."

Will froze, the name hanging in the air like a thunderclap. "Esono? You mean the Victor Esono? The Shadow King?"

Joy nodded grimly. "He's not just a businessman, Will. He's got connections, power—enough to destroy anyone who crosses him. And right now, he's got his claws in me."

Will set his coffee down, his expression darkening. "Joy, what the hell have you gotten yourself into?"

Joy glanced around the coffee shop, lowering his voice to barely above a whisper. "Something bigger than me. Bigger than anything I've ever worked on before. It's not just about science, Will. It's about control—of people, of the future. And if I screw up, I'm not the only one who pays the price."

Will leaned back, his face pale. "Jesus, Joy. You need to get out of this. Before it's too late."

Joy shook his head. "It's already too late."