CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO - Rebuilding Foundations

As they looked at each other in the dim light of the restaurant, they both knew that something had shifted. The uncertainty of the past weeks had been replaced by a new sense of confidence and unity.  The soft glow of candlelight flickered across the empty restaurant as Ella and Lucas finished clearing the last of the dishes from the charity event. The clinking of glasses and the hum of conversation had faded, leaving behind a comfortable silence. Ella tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and leaned against the bar, her eyes meeting Lucas's. "I can't believe we pulled it off," she said, a mixture of exhaustion and elation in her voice. Lucas smiled, his tie loosened and sleeves rolled up. "We make a pretty good team, don't we?" "I'd say so," Ella replied, a hint of playfulness in her tone. "Though I'm not sure I'll be able to move tomorrow. My feet are killing me." Lucas chuckled and moved closer, his hand brushing against hers. "How about a nightcap to celebrate? I've got