CHAPTER SEVENTY TWO - Whispered Threats in the Night

As the day wore on, Ella's resolve was tested. Customers were few and far between, and those who did come in often cast suspicious glances around, as if expecting to catch them in some nefarious act. By mid-afternoon, Ella was at her wit's end. She retreated to her office, needing a moment to collect herself. She was about to close the door when she heard a commotion from the front of the café. Rushing out, she found Lucas in a heated argument with a man she recognized as a local reporter. "I've told you, we have no comment beyond our official statement," Lucas was saying, his voice strained with barely contained anger. The reporter pressed on, shoving a microphone in Lucas's face. "But what about the allegations of embezzlement? How do you respond to claims that you've been cooking the books?" Before Lucas could respond, Ella stepped in. "Excuse me," she said firmly, placing herself between Lucas and the reporter. "This is private property. If you don't leave immediately, we'll b