Sophia’s eyes scanned her device, her brow furrowing. The glow from the screen cast shadows across her face as she read.

Her expression shifted… lips pressing together, shoulders tensing slightly.

“Oh no.” The words came out soft, almost to herself.

Juniper’s fork paused halfway to her mouth. “What?”

Sophia looked up, apologetic. “I’m sorry, Juni. This is from Kenery.” She hesitated, as if the next words would sting. “Martinez wants me on a case for delegates for the next week. They’re going to rely on you and Daniel for this discovery.”

Sophia’s bottom lip jutted out in a smirk, a hint of concern in her eyes as she realized the potential challenges this arrangement might pose for Juniper and Daniel’s working relationship.

Juniper met Sophia’s gaze, her own expression unwavering. “I know what you’re thinking, Sophia, and no lie, I am completely unbothered. I didn’t move here to run from anything. I moved here to fight the good fight and stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.”

Sophia looked at Juniper with a mixture of hope and doubt, their earlier conversation still fresh in her mind.

Juniper’s lips curled into a playful smile. “You’ll be back in due time, and I’ll be sitting here waiting for you like, ‘Oh my god, wow, jeez! You left me here with this guy. I can’t believe you. Goodness gracious!’”