At that moment, Malisa and Cora were intrigued. Their expressions shifted from suspicion to subtle curiosity, the kind of look anyone would give someone when you know they're hiding a bigger secret behind their words. Malisa folded her arms, tilting her head, while Cora leaned slightly forward, her eyes locked on Lovie, trying to read him deeper than his calm smile suggested.
Cora was the first to speak.
"Lovi, what exactly are you suggesting? What's actually going on? You keep circling the matter—just say it clearly. What do you know that we don't?"
Lovi took a slow breath and gently leaned back into the velvet chair like he was settling into something heavy.
"That… is where I come in," he began, slowly.
There was a short pause as he rubbed his palms together, then laced his fingers. His voice dropped slightly, not secretive, but deliberate.
