Chapter 18

Zen awoke to the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. The room was silent except for the faint sound of birds chirping outside. He sat up slowly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Just as he was about to get out of bed, there was a soft knock on the door.

“Come in,” he called out, his voice still groggy from sleep.

The door opened quietly, and Keisha stepped inside. She was calm and composed as always, her expression neutral. Zen watched her carefully as she entered the room.

“Good morning, Chief,” Keisha greeted him, her voice soft but professional.

“Morning,” Zen replied, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He stretched his arms and then fixed his gaze on her. “Where have you been, Keisha?”

She hesitated for the briefest of moments before responding, “I apologize for my absence. I had to monitor your overseas business dealings. There were some urgent matters that required my attention.”

Zen studied her, noting the calmness in her demeanor. Inwardly, he thought,