CHAPTER FIFTEEN - Unspoken Tensions

One evening, as they were closing up, Lucas called a staff meeting. "I just wanted to thank all of you," he began, his eyes lingering on Ella for a moment. "The past few months haven't been easy, but thanks to your hard work and dedication, we're not just surviving - we're thriving." There was a round of applause from the staff, and Ella felt a surge of pride. They really had come a long way. "To celebrate," Lucas continued, "I thought we could have a little staff party next weekend. What do you all say?" The suggestion was met with enthusiastic agreement. As the staff filed out, chattering excitedly about the party, Ella hung back. "A party, huh?" she said, raising an eyebrow at Lucas. "That doesn't sound like the serious businessman I first met." Lucas chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "What can I say? You've been a good influence on me." They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the air between them charged with unspoken feelings. "Ella," Lucas said softly, ta