CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINE - THE LAST SECRET

  As they settled around the table, the conversation flowed more easily than it had in years. Luis regaled them with stories from work, his hands gesticulating wildly as he described his latest coding breakthrough. "And then," Luis said, barely containing his laughter, "the intern accidentally deleted the entire database! You should have seen his face when he realized what he'd done." Nia chuckled, shaking her head. "Poor guy. Remind me never to let you mentor any of our interns at Colossius." "Hey, I'll have you know I'm an excellent mentor," Luis protested. "Just ask Maria. She says I'm very patient." At the mention of Maria's name, Nia felt a twinge of guilt, remembering her friend's confession. She pushed the thought aside, focusing on the unexpectedly pleasant atmosphere. As they finished the main course, Carlos cleared his throat, setting down his fork. "Nia, your mother and I... we have something we'd like to say." Nia tensed, bracing herself for whatever was coming. But