Chapter 17

Scot sat in the warm, inviting glow of the café, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mixing with the soft hum of conversation around him. It was a rare moment of peace, a brief escape from the turmoil that had taken over his life in recent months. Across from him, Mia smiled gently, her presence a calming balm to his frayed nerves.

“You look tired,” Mia said softly, her eyes filled with concern. “Have you been getting enough sleep?”

Scot managed a half-smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Not as much as I should. But I’m managing.”

“You don’t have to do this alone, you know,” Mia continued, reaching out to place her hand over his. The warmth of her touch was both comforting and grounding. “I’m here with you, through all of this.”

Scot squeezed her hand in return, grateful for her support. “I know, Mia. And I can’t tell you how much that means to me. It’s just… everything feels like it’s falling apart. The divorce, the company, and now Jane’s relentless attacks—it’s like I