CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR –THE TRIP TO EUROPE

The rhythmic clack of keyboards filled the air the following morning as Kayla and Alice delved into the nitty-gritty of the charity gala. Tables were being compared, potential caterers debated, and Kayla found herself surprisingly enjoying the collaborative effort. Alice, despite her initial nervousness, proved to be a quick learner, her enthusiasm infectious. A sharp knock on the door startled them both. Alice, ever the diligent assistant, rose to answer it. A beat of stunned silence followed, then a stammered, "Mr. Storm?" Kayla looked up from her computer screen, her brow furrowing in curiosity. Lance? What was he doing here? Lance ambled through the doorway, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He addressed Alice, his voice smooth, "Thank you, Ms. Jones. Could you excuse us for a moment?" Alice, still flustered, nodded mutely and scurried back to her desk. The tension in the room thickened as Kayla watched Lance, his gaze lingering on her for a beat longer than necessary. "K