Disaster meets Destiny

Amanda leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a more confidential tone. "Your father had a vision for your future, Maya. But things got complicated after his partnership with my father ended. And when he left the business world, he disappeared from the circle. The thing is, the business didn't forget him."

Maya's heart raced, a strange sensation creeping up her spine. She hadn't known her father's business dealings ran so deep, nor had she realized how much Amanda's family might have influenced the course of her life. "What do you mean, didn't forget him?"

Amanda's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "Your father left behind more than just financial interests. He left behind a legacy, one that was closely tied to the founding of Sterling & Crown. And there's unfinished business."

Maya's head spun with questions. She leaned forward, her voice tense. "What kind of business? What are you talking about?"

Amanda took a deep breath, the smile fading from her face. "You were the one who was always meant to take over. Not just Catalyst. Your father had plans for you to become part of the broader network, one that stretches far beyond the marketing world."

Maya felt a chill run through her, the words hanging heavily in the air. "Are you saying I've been groomed for this? That my whole career, my life, has been set in motion by things I don't understand?"

Amanda's eyes softened with an unspoken sympathy. "Yes. Your father's plans were big, and they had everything to do with power, influence, and a seat at the table of those who control industries. I'm not the enemy here, Maya. I'm offering you a choice."

Maya stared at her, disbelief evident on her face. "A choice?" she echoed, trying to comprehend the gravity of the situation. "What are you asking me to choose?"

Amanda's eyes gleamed, and for a split second, there was a flicker of vulnerability in her expression. "I'm giving you the opportunity to step into the world your father intended for you. To lead, to take over the reins, to be part of something much larger than your current life in marketing. But it's not just about business. It's about who you trust, who you let into your world."

The words hit Maya like a punch. She had built her life around independence, her career, her own identity—something her father had seemingly orchestrated from the shadows. Was she ready to step into a world she never knew existed? Would she even be able to trust Amanda?

The door of the café opened with a soft chime, and Maya's eyes involuntarily flickered toward it. She saw Ryan standing at the entrance, looking around, clearly scanning the room. His gaze met hers, and she felt an unexpected wave of warmth.

Amanda's gaze followed Maya's, her lips twitching slightly. "I think your friend is here, Maya. But before he gets any closer, think about what I've said. Because this choice—what comes next—will change everything for you."

Maya's heart pounded as she watched Ryan move toward them, his usual air of confidence faltering slightly as he approached the table. But she wasn't focused on him now. She was focused on the decision before her.

Ryan stopped by the table, his eyes flickering between Maya and Amanda. "Everything okay?" he asked, his voice betraying his concern. He didn't know about the conversation, but the tension in the air was palpable.

Maya's mind raced. How could she explain this to Ryan? How could she ask him to understand what was being presented to her? And what did it mean for their future?

Before she could answer, Amanda stood up. "I'll leave you two to talk," she said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "But remember, Maya. You have a choice."

Maya watched her walk away, feeling the weight of the conversation settling deeper into her bones. Ryan sat down across from her, his brow furrowing. "What was that about?"

Maya took a deep breath, her fingers brushing the edge of her coffee cup. She was no longer sure what was real and what was fabricated. And for the first time in a long while, she wasn't sure who to trust.

"Ryan… I don't know what to think right now." She glanced up at him, her eyes searching his face for a hint of understanding. "There's so much more to this than I thought."

Ryan didn't reply immediately, his gaze steady as he watched her. Finally, he spoke, his voice softer than usual. "We'll figure this out together. You don't have to face it alone, Maya."

Her chest tightened at his words, the overwhelming uncertainty of everything hitting her all at once. She wasn't sure what the future held, but in this moment, she knew she didn't want to face it without him.

The conversation with Amanda had raised more questions than answers. Maya wasn't sure what she was stepping into, but she knew one thing for certain—nothing in her life would ever be the same again.

And as Ryan reached across the table, gently taking her hand, she felt a strange comfort in knowing that whatever came next, they would face it side by side.