FINDING ELENA
she screamed in delight, smearing sauce at the corner of her mouth.
The atmosphere in the kitchen shifted at once - the air tightened with unspoken rules.
The staff froze.
All except one.
And Ary noticed.
Elena turned, her expression unflinching.
“Hello, Mr. Banks.”
She met his gaze, steady, unbowed.
Then she turned away.
She crouched to Ruby’s level.
“Cool your jets, mini-chef Ruby,” she teased, gently removing the fork from Ruby’s hand before the girl could dart toward Ary.