Over coffee, Cassy's phone chimed with a new message. It was from Carlos:
"I know one of your secrets: you're not staying in a dormitory but a lavish house. I wonder what else I might uncover. What would your parents say if they discovered it all?"
The transformation in Cassy's expression was immediate and striking – her face twisted into a mix of fear and vulnerability. Tears welled up, spilling over as she handed her phone to Altair. His face darkened upon reading the message.
"Cassy, don't worry, okay? I'll do everything within my power to keep your secrets safe," Altair vowed, his voice steady.
Cassy leaned into him, seeking solace in his embrace. Determined, Altair retrieved his phone and dialed Chloe.
"Chloe, are you at the office?" he inquired.
The distant hum of conversations and rustling papers echoed from Chloe's end.
"It's 8 in the morning; where else would I be?" Chloe replied, a hint of irritation lining her words.
"Bed?" Altair ventured, half in jest.
"Nope, the office," Chloe retorted. "Why are you calling? Planning on rejoining the firm?"
"I need you to connect me with Miracle," Altair commanded, urgency lacing his tone.
"Miracle... Who? Another one of your flings?" Chloe inquired, her confusion evident.
"Miracle Vermillion."
There was a momentary silence before Chloe's voice returned, tinged with enthusiasm. "Oh, the Miracle Vermillion! So, we're calling in the big guns?"
Altair sighed, feeling cornered. This wasn't his preferred course of action, but options were scant.
Chloe's chuckle was audible before the sound of shifting ensued. Then, a new voice, cool and self-assured, filled the line.
"Look what the cat dragged back from hiding!" Miracle taunted.
Altair had never quite warmed up to Miracle's confident tones, but now wasn't the time for personal qualms.
"I need help digging up information on someone," he stated, opting for brevity.
Miracle's chuckle carried an undertone of amusement. "I've heard about your little side quests. I can definitely help."
"Thank you," Altair started, but was quickly cut off.
"Eep, eep, eep, cool your jets," Miracle interrupted. "You've been MIA for a while. If you want access to my resources, you need to bring in a new client to increase your billables."
"That's absurd!" Altair protested. "A small team should suffice!"
Miracle's laugh held a teasing lilt. "Why settle for a full house when you can have all the cards? I'll direct senior associates to focus on this, and I'll add the Stella issue to the package."
Altair paused. Annoying as she was, Miracle had a point.
"Do you have a client in mind? Is it someone from my waitlist?"
Without hesitation, Miracle replied, "Margarette-Lia San Monica."
Altair's forehead met his palm. Margarette-Lia was known for her exacting demands.
"I'll talk to Margarette soon," he conceded, the regret heavy in his voice.
Miracle's tone danced with mischief. "I can't wait to see Marga on your client list. It's overdue, don't you think?"
Altair sighed. "I'm aware she's been eager to join my roster for years, and I know you two are close. But you're not making this easy, Miracle."
In his mind, Altair knew that engaging Margarette could be the chess move he needed. Miracle had a knack for seeing three moves ahead, and her connection with Margarette could prove beneficial. He needed to navigate this situation cautiously. His reputation and Cassy's well-being were on the line.
Sipping his coffee, Altair's thoughts raced ahead, plotting strategies and potential outcomes. He had become adept at handling such intricacies, and yet, the challenge seemed insurmountable this time around.
"Nobody ever said your job would be a walk in the park, Altair," Miracle retorted, a smirk evident in her tone. "It's not just a tough gig. It's 'mission impossible.' Should be right up your alley," she added, referencing the famous film.
Altair groaned. "Did you really need to drop that line?"
Miracle's laughter echoed, clear and rich. "I couldn't resist. But listen, with Marga, keep it professional. No grand promises or attempts to woo. Got it?"
Altair frowned. "Why on earth does Marga even care about me? I'm just another guy working in finance!"
Miracle shrugged audibly. "Who knows? But my advice stands: steer clear of commitments, and you'll be just fine."
Altair hesitated, his thoughts racing. "If I approach Margarette, it'll paint me as desperate. She'll hold that over me."
Miracle's soft, cunning chuckle sent a chill down Altair's spine. "Let me handle the logistics. I can orchestrate a 'chance' encounter. To her, it'll feel like destiny."
Ending the call, Altair turned his attention to Cassy, whose tears flowed freely. He drew her close.
"It's going to be okay," he whispered soothingly.
"I'm just so scared," Cassy murmured, her voice quivering.
"Don't be. I've got your back, always. We'll get through this."
[Somewhere]
At a bustling café, Elise, Sunny, and Theresa sat around a table, the weight of their worries palpable. Elise ran a hand through her hair, eyes troubled.
"Stella's unexpected reappearance complicates things," she began, taking a deep breath. "Sunny's right. We might have to bring Altair into the fray."
Theresa's eyes, always sharp and observant, now held a touch of concern. "But it's more than just a simple conversation. We need to ensure it doesn't spiral into something perilous."
Sunny's voice carried an edge of conviction. "I've known Stella for a while. She might be desperate now, but Altair has a way with words. He can defuse the situation."
 
Elise countered, "It's not just about soothing Stella's emotions. She's unpredictable. And given their shared history, what if Altair can't handle it?"
 
Theresa considered for a moment. "What if we set up a meeting? Neutral territory, broad daylight, somewhere public. We can keep an eye out, ensure things remain civil."
 
Elise sighed, her concern evident. "We can't force Altair's hand. Ultimately, it's his decision. But he should know we're here to back him up."
 
Theresa nodded. "We'll present him with the plan. Make it clear that we'll stand by him, no matter what path he chooses."
 
As they continued discussing potential scenarios, Elise felt the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. Being a mediator was never easy, but she had always been the voice of reason. Her innate ability to view situations with a calm, analytical mind had been her strength. But with Stella back in the picture, things were different.
 
Sunny, on the other hand, was optimistic. "We can't let fear dictate our moves. Altair is a master negotiator. He's got this."
 
Theresa nodded in agreement. "I've seen him handle situations far more volatile than this. But it's our duty to ensure that we provide him with all the support he needs."
 
Elise took a deep breath, nodding in agreement. "We'll get through this. Together."