CHAPTER EIGHTY TWO - A Risky Plan Takes Shape

As they left the office that evening, both physically and emotionally drained, Ella and Lucas knew they were facing their greatest challenge yet. The soft ping of Ella's phone interrupted the tense silence of the car ride home. She glanced at the screen, her brow furrowing. "Lucas, pull over," she said urgently. Lucas guided the car to the side of the road, concern etching his features. "What is it?" Ella's eyes scanned the message, her heart racing. "It's an anonymous tip. About the sabotage." Lucas leaned over, reading the message over her shoulder. The tip was detailed, pointing to James Turner, owner of a competing restaurant in the next town over. It outlined alleged meetings between James and former Montgomery's employees, hinting at financial incentives for disrupting their business. "James Turner?" Lucas's voice was incredulous. "We've known him for years. He wouldn't..." Ella cut him off. "We can't afford to dismiss any leads, remember? We agreed to investigate everythi