CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO - NEW BEGINNINGS

She hailed a taxi, giving the driver her address. As the city lights blurred past the window, Mara allowed herself a small smile. Despite the chaos of the past few days, despite the uncertainty ahead, she couldn't shake the feeling that something wonderful was just around the corner. The taxi pulled up to her apartment building, and Mara paid the fare, tipping generously. She'd never been so happy to see her little walk-up. As she trudged up the stairs, her phone buzzed in her pocket. A text from an unknown number: "Lunch tomorrow, 1 PM. My office. Looking forward to it. - CN" Mara's heart skipped a beat. She entered her apartment, dropping her bags by the door and collapsing onto her couch. Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough. Mara stood in front of the imposing glass facade of The Keppler Heritage headquarters, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The morning sun glinted off the building's sleek exterior, seeming to wink at her as if sharing a secret. S