CHAPTER TWENTY NINE – THE NEW ASSISTANT

The phone rang twice before a calm voice filled Kayla's ears. "Hello?" Kayla took a deep breath. "Raya? It's Kayla Danvers." A flicker of surprise crackled through the line. "Kayla. How can I help you?" "I… I need to talk," Kayla confessed, her voice barely a whisper. "About what you told me yesterday." Raya's voice softened. "Of course," she said gently. "When would you like to meet?" Kayla glanced at the clock. It was already past lunchtime. "Would you be free after work?" "Absolutely. Where would you like to meet?" Kayla hesitated. She didn't want to meet at the spa again, and the penthouse was definitely out of the question. "There's a little cafe a few blocks from my office called 'The Daily Grind.' Would that work?" "Perfect," Raya replied. "See you there at five?" "Five o'clock," Kayla confirmed, a sliver of hope flickering in her chest. Hanging up the phone, Kayla felt a surge of determination. Talking to Raya was a gamble, but her desire for truth outweighed her hesi